Portsmouth's Annual Event Breaks the Silence on Suicide

In response to rising concerns about suicide rates, Portsmouth hosted the annual Let's Get Talking About Suicide event on September 7th. The event, part of the city's efforts to support the National Suicide Prevention Strategy, aims to break the stigma surrounding mental health and provide direct support to individuals in need.

Back for its second year, the event featured a variety of tents offering creative therapy, physical activities, and mental well-being sessions. It also provided crucial information on suicide prevention, mental health services, and support networks, helping people and their families connect with the resources they might not otherwise have known existed. 

Working with the Portsmouth City Council and Victoria Park, we were really fortunate to hold this event in such a public space. The community-centered location made it accessible for everyone. A passerby told us, "I was just walking through the park, heard the music and saw the activities and thought I'd pop in to see what it was all about. I'm glad I did, as I have learnt so much more about what Portsmouth services have to offer."

1 in 5 people will experience suicidal thoughts in their lifetime. Despite this, only 45% feel comfortable talking about it. Together, we can change that, and we already are. One person shared, "I attended last year's event and was in a bad place. The support I received from one of the participating services has helped me immensely, so I wanted to return this year to let them know how well I was doing." 

Sometimes, all it takes is showing up and finding that one person, service, or resource that can make a real difference. Thanks to the support from Ripple, HSBC UK, The Ollie Foundation, and many more, we were able to bring together dozens of local organisations who were ready to listen. That's the true impact of events like this—raising awareness is important, but helping people feel seen and supported can save lives. And not just for those feeling suicidal, but their loved ones too.
We would like to thank everyone who joined us on the day. Whether you shared your story, listened, or simply came to show your support. Let's keep talking about suicide.

If you or someone you know is struggling, there are organisations ready to listen and help. You can reach out to:

• Samaritans – Call 116 123, available 24/7
• Mind – Call 0300 123 3393 or text 86463
• Shout – Text 'SHOUT' to 85258 for free, confidential support via text

Written by Lizzie Senn. For any media inquiries, please get in touch with [email protected]