Liverpool to host major programme of suicide prevention and mental health events

Communities across Cheshire and Merseyside will come together this autumn for a series of events designed to encourage conversations about suicide, challenge stigma and ensure people know where to find mental health support.

A wide-ranging programme of events will take place in Liverpool throughout September and October, bringing together local, national and international organisations, experts and people with lived experience.

The programme is being led by a partnership that includes local authorities across Cheshire and Merseyside, reflecting a shared commitment to preventing suicide and supporting those affected by it.

Some areas of Cheshire and Merseyside sadly experience among the highest suicide rates in the UK, highlighting the importance of raising awareness, improving access to help and encouraging people to speak openly about their mental health.

The events will focus on suicide prevention, support for people who have been impacted by suicide and the importance of looking out for friends, relatives, colleagues and members of the wider community.

It is the first time Liverpool has hosted such an extensive programme dedicated to suicide prevention and mental health support.

Organisers hope the events will help strengthen the growing commitment across Liverpool and the wider Cheshire and Merseyside region to challenge stigma, promote supportive conversations and make it easier for people to seek help.

The programme will also provide an opportunity for communities to come together and reinforce the message that support is available and nobody needs to suffer alone.

Whether through research, creative expression or lived experience, the shared aim is to help people:

• Talk more openly about mental health and suicide
• Better understand the impact on individuals, families and communities
• Feel confident seeking help for themselves or others
• Connect with support services and local organisations

Events happening across the city of Liverpool

Residents and professional across Cheshire and Merseyside are encouraged to get involved in a range of activities open to the public:

• Close to Home exhibition (5 September – 10 October)
  A powerful and moving creative programme at the Cunard Building, sharing real stories and experiences of those impacted by suicide. Developed with communities and individuals across England, Wales, and Ireland, it offers space to reflect, connect and start conversations.
• World Suicide Prevention Day Conference (10 September)
  Hosted by Liverpool John Moores University, bringing together experts to share knowledge about preventing suicide and supporting people in crisis.
• Suicide Bereavement UK Conference (16 September)
  Held at the Titanic Hotel, bringing together people from across the UK and beyond to improve support for those who have lost someone to suicide.

Suicide affects people from all walks of life, and its impact is felt across families, friendships, and communities. By coming together around these events, we are taking a clear and proactive stand: suicide prevention is everyone’s business, and we want to make sure:

• Information is clear and easy to find
• Support services are visible and accessible
• People feel safe to speak up and ask for help

Free suicide prevention training

Alongside the events, the partnership is promoting practical ways for people to support themselves and others.

Free Suicide Prevention Training developed by the Zero Suicide Alliance, helps people feel more confident offering support to someone they are worried about. It combines lived experience, community insight and practical guidance to empower people to have compassionate conversations and support someone to access the help they need.

The Zero Suicide Alliance offer a range of suicide prevention training programmes that deal with specific situations (e.g. if you’re a healthcare worker or work on public transport) and for groups in the community that often face greater risk including a new course about supporting members of the LGBTQ+ community – developed in partnership with Liverpool City Council.

Resources for help in the workplace

For those looking for how to support people in the workplace, visit the Cheshire and Merseyside Suicide Prevention Partnership website.

Where to go for help

The Kind to your mind website urgent help page offers support for all age groups, directing people to local services and national organisations.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available 24/7:

• For urgent mental health support call 111 and choose the mental health option
• Support is available for those bereaved or impacted by suicide
• Call Samaritans on 116 123 for 24-hour listening support.
• Papyrus HOPELINE247: 0800 068 4141
• In an emergency, if you or someone you know is in immediate danger dial 999

You can also contact your GP for help with mental health and wellbeing or to connect you to local mental health support across Cheshire and Merseyside.

Dr Rory McGill, Lead Director of Public Health for Suicide Prevention in Cheshire and Merseyside, said:

“Everyone has a role to play in preventing suicide and supporting those affected. These landmark events create opportunities to learn more, access free training online, check in on someone or share information about the help available. 

“By coming together across Cheshire and Merseyside we aim to build safety, compassion and understanding for all. When people choose to learn how to start conversations and offer help, lives are saved.”