Suicide Prevention



Posted 10/09/2025





This World Suicide Prevention Day, we’re sharing one important message: If you think someone might be suicidal, take action, interrupt their thoughts and show them you care. Every 90 minutes, someone in the UK or Ireland dies by suicide* and 1 in 4 of us has had suicidal thoughts.


Let’s prevent suicide today. Because tomorrows too late.



Suicidal thoughts can be interrupted



Samaritans surveyed people with lived experience of suicide and the majority told us that their suicidal thoughts have been interrupted.


  • 60% said their suicidal thoughts had been interrupted by someone close to them, like a friend or family member.
  • 14% said their suicidal thoughts had been interrupted by a stranger or someone they didn’t know.

The World Suicide Prevention Day 2025 campaign was co-created with people who have lived experience of suicidal thoughts. Their experiences and insights will hopefully help you take action if you suspect someone may be suicidal.


Samaritans spoke to people who have experience of suicidal thoughts, and they told them that their suicidal thoughts have been interrupted by moments of human connection.


An interruption could be a face-to-face conversation, a phone call, text or any other way of connecting with someone when they’re experiencing suicidal thoughts.



It is important to remember that anyone can interrupt someone’s suicidal thoughts.



You don’t have to be an expert or know the exact ‘right’ thing to say. Being there and showing that you care can make all the difference. Try to listen with empathy and without judgement to help the person open up about how they’re feeling, and don’t be afraid to ask someone if they’re feeling suicidal.



There are many ways to start a conversation



There are many ways to start a conversation that could save a life. From a simple ‘hello’ or a bit of small talk, to asking someone how they’re really feeling, the most important thing is that you take action if you think someone might be suicidal. If you’re worried someone is having harmful thoughts, it’s better to interrupt than not.



Suggestions from people with lived experience



Remember to approach someone with kindness and compassion. You can start a conversation with a simple question like “How are you?”, “Are you OK?” or “Would you like a chat?”


You can comment on something in your shared environment: the weather, something in their shopping basket, anything to open up a conversation.


Find something you notice about them to comment on positively, this could lead to a conversation. For example, their shoes or coat.


Give the person something to touch or hold. Show them something that you have with you. This can be a distraction through touch and may help to ground a person.


Ask them to pause. Ask them to take a breath with you. It could help them get to the next moment. It is important that you are there for that person in the moment. If you’re worried about someone, stay with them and let them know you're there for them.


Ask them if they’ve felt like this before and what, if anything, has helped them and then do something they’ve suggested if possible.


If you feel able to, stay with them and sit quietly, letting them know you’re there if they want to talk.


Do not coerce, do not force anything on the person, meet them as they are in that moment and join them in it, if you can.


Let them know they are not alone.


Let them know that an emotion and a thought does not last forever. An emotion or thought does not have to define them. It does not need to lead to a decision they can’t reverse.


Ask them what things they care about, what do they like? Or if they cannot answer, ask them what they don’t like if that is easier. Your safety matters. If you don't feel comfortable speaking to someone you don’t know, that's OK.


If you’re unsure about talking to them alone or don’t feel safe to start a conversation yourself consider asking a passer-by for support. It can also be helpful to let them know that they can call Samaritans free, day or night, on 116 123.


As a staff member of PCS you can contact your counsellor, Jaime, who will be there to support and listen to you, the details are at the bottom of this blog.



Anyone can interrupt someone’s suicidal thoughts



Small interruptions you make and actions you take could help someone who is suicidal. You don’t have to be an expert to save someone’s life. In response to the Samaritans survey, many people with lived experience recalled times when those close to them, such as family members or friends, had interrupted their suicidal thoughts.


“A close work friend said they had noticed I was looking quite down and they were worried that I might be at risk of suicide again. It made my thoughts pause”.


Others talked about times when people they were less close to, even total strangers, interrupted their suicidal thoughts.


“What stayed with me? A total stranger cared enough to speak kindly to me at a time when I was at my lowest”.


Conversations about mental health and suicide can feel daunting, but when someone is burdened with carrying around worries and difficult thoughts, having someone there to listen can make all the difference.


Asking how someone is feeling shows that you really care. You don’t have to be an expert to help someone when they’re feeling suicidal. By simply asking how they’re feeling you can show them that they’re not alone and that someone cares.


"Often it is not that a person wants to be dead, they just want to escape the problems around them and sometimes it’s just having someone to be there to listen and bring you back to a place where you can look at things with a different perspective."


If you are supporting someone or you need to talk about suicide, Jaime is available on email jaime@personal-careservices.co.uk or telephone on 07399 809671. Jaime also holds a drop in service every Tuesday evening 5pm-8pm. The counselling service is completely confidential and no one will be told you have accessed the service.



Virtual Drop-in Clinic





If you are feeling a little down, worried about the current pandemic, or just looking to let off some steam; our counsellor is now providing virtual drop-in sessions every Tuesday.


Issues or concerns discussed with Jaime do not need to be work related; but could include home life, relationship, or health concerns.


We want you to be assured that the counsellor here at PCS is there to listen to you in a confidential, safe and secure space.


This service is completely confidential and free to all our Staff.



PCS (Personal Care Services) Ltd



West Lancashire Investment Centre, Maple View, White Moss Business Park, Skelmersdale, Lancashire, WN8 9TG.

Tel: 01695 553930 | Email: enquiries@personal-careservices.co.uk

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