To mark World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September, North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT) is highlighting the importance of suicide prevention, wellbeing and ensuring people know where to access support when they need it.

Suicide prevention is everyone's business. Whether through listening, checking in with a friend, family member or colleague, or helping someone access support, every conversation has the potential to make a difference.

Hearing lived experience

As part of our awareness activities, we are sharing a powerful poem written by one of our Involvement Representatives, offering a personal perspective on mental health, hope and recovery. Lived experience plays a vital role in helping us understand the impact of suicide and the importance of creating environments where people feel able to seek support and speak openly about their experiences.

“You might say you’re a burden, that life is uncertain, but you're the glimmer in someone's eye, their reason to not say goodbye. To the beautiful world that we live in from the foxes to the pigeons. If you take a moment to deliberate put down the fears and worries on your plate, you'll see that life is yours to be had from the good, and the bad. I share a simple message with you today and I hope you will believe it someday. You are loved and you are cared for, you are needed and you are wanted. Hold onto the hope deep inside you and together we will make it through.”

Working together

NELFT and East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT) have collaborated on a video filmed at Leyton Orient Football Club. The discussion brings together clinicians from both organisations, including Dr. Peter Carter from NELFT, to explore suicide prevention, the importance of early intervention and how communities can support people experiencing mental distress. The recording will be shared across NELFT and ELFT communication channels.

We also have a partnership with Leyton Orient Trust Charity and London Playing Fields Foundation, where we deliver Coping Through Football sessions , using the power of sport to support mental wellbeing and community connections. 

Support is available

If you are concerned about your own mental health, or that of someone you know, support is available.

You can:

• Contact your GP.
• Visit our website for information about suicide prevention and find out about local mental health support services.
• Call NHS 111 and select option 2 if you need urgent mental health support.
• Access local support services through NELFT's I Need Help With My Mental Health resource hub.

This World Suicide Prevention Day, we are encouraging everyone to learn more about suicide prevention, look out for one another and remember that help is available.