Suicide awareness

For immediate support in an emergency please call 999. To access confidential emotional support for feelings of distress, despair or suicidal thoughts - Samaritans freephone 116 123 (24/7) or email jo@samaritans.org

Download our Sources of Support PDF for a list of support available across the UK.

SEE THE PROBLEM - SAY THE WORDS - SIGNPOST TO SUPPORT

We need to talk about suicide. Every day, our specialist teams support veterans and families to stand strong once again. But for many, the journey before they take the first step towards accessing that support can take weeks, months or even years.

We believe having a conversation can be lifesaving. When someone opens up, it’s important that they feel safe and listened to. We want to help create suicide-safer communities, where veterans and families feel they can speak up as soon as they start to struggle.

Help for Heroes and Zero Suicide Alliance - Rob's Story

Learning how to read between the lines and start a conversation, could be lifesaving. This training 30-minute will help you spot the signs that someone may be struggling. Please note, it is not designed for individuals currently experiencing suicidal thoughts.

TAKE THE TRAINING

IT'S GOOD TO TALK

Antony's story

Actor and patron, Antony Cotton, talks about his own experiences and how important it is to open up and start the conversation.

Watch Antony's video

Jules' story

Jules talks about losing her close friend, veteran Martin, and how important it is to break down the stigma around suicide and spot the signs early.

Watch Jules' video

Hopefully you will never need to have this conversation, but if you did…would you know what to say?

Please take 30 minutes to learn how to have that difficult conversation and potentially save a life.

Take the training

Alongside the Zero Suicide Alliance (ZSA) we have developed veteran-specific suicide awareness training.

This will give you the skills and knowledge you need to have a potentially life-saving conversation with a family member, friend, colleague or even a stranger in the street.

Scenarios, real life stories and resources will help guide you through what to do, should the situation arise.

TAKE THE TRAINING

Suicide Awareness Training FAQs
- The Facts
  1 in 3 veterans have felt suicidal in their lifetime (Source: YouGov Plc, 2022)
  Worldwide over 700,000 people a year take their own life (Source: WHO, 2021)
  Approximately 6000 people take their own life in the UK each year (Source: Office for National Statistics. 2019)
  287 serving UK regular Armed Forces personnel took their own life between 2003-2022 (Source: MOD Statistical Notice, 2023)
  Veteran suicide is not currently recorded by the UK Government but will be from 2022, with the first report due in 2023.
  The government is also conducting a 10 year look back to examine veteran deaths through suicide. This research is expected to be published in 2023. (Source: Veteran suicide figures to be recorded for the first time - GOV.UK)
- As part of the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust’s ‘One is Too Many’ programme we have received funding which has enabled us to develop this bespoke training course with the aim of creating suicide-safer communities for veterans.
  We also offer a range of specialist and tailored recovery services that enable veterans and families to live secure and healthy lives with purpose. This includes one-to-one mental, clinical and physical health support, our Recovery College and a range of sports and wellbeing activities.
  We’re calling on Local Authorities and the Government to take action to prevent more veteran suicides
- We encourage everyone to take this training as you never know when you might need it.
  If you are a suicide survivor or have been bereaved by suicide, you may find elements of the training difficult. Please take care and make sure you have someone supportive nearby.
- Increase your skills and knowledge, in a similar way to mental health first aid training
  Learn to recognise the indicators of suicidal behaviours
  Learn how to have that difficult conversation should the need arise
  Know where to signpost to for help and support
  Potentially save the life of a loved one, friend, colleague or even a stranger.
- For immediate support in an emergency please call 999. To access confidential emotional support for feelings of distress, despair or suicidal thoughts - Samaritans freephone 116 123 (24/7) or email jo@samaritans.org
  Download our Sources of Support PDF for a list of support available across the UK.

Ways to improve your mental health and wellbeing

There are many things you can do to improve your mental health.

Rob's Story

When Rob’s depression became too much, he thought his only option was to end his life. But a note from his friends saved him.

Between the Lines

One in three veterans have felt suicidal in their lifetime. Many won't tell you how they are feeling, could you read between the lines?

Suicide Prevention Policy

We’re calling on local authorities and the Government to take action to prevent more veteran suicides.

Talking About Suicide

The Lion’s Barber Collective has produced this video featuring barber Luke, talking to army veteran Adam, about suicide.

Research Statistics

We conducted a survey into mental health and suicide in the GB adult population and the Armed Forces Community (8,346 adults, YouGov Plc, July 2022) and this is what we found.

Suicide awareness Training