10 September 2026

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day, a campaign led by the World Health Organisation to raise awareness of suicide, reminding people that talking, listening and reaching out can make a big difference.

The overarching theme of this initiative is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”, with this year’s call to action being: “Start the Conversation.”

While conversations about suicide can feel difficult or uncomfortable, breaking the silence and creating a safe space for people to talk about how they are feeling can be an important first step towards getting the right support.

If you are worried about someone, you don’t need to be a mental health professional to help.

The Samaritans’ guidance on interrupting suicidal thoughts highlights the importance of small moments of connection. This could be starting a conversation, asking someone how they are feeling, listening without judgement or simply staying with someone who is struggling.

You can ask someone directly if they are having suicidal thoughts. Samaritans advises that asking this question can give someone the opportunity to talk more openly about how they are feeling. Sometimes an interruption can be as simple as:
“Are you OK?”
“I’ve noticed you’re not yourself. Do you want to talk?”
“I’m here with you.”
“Are you having thoughts about suicide?”

You don’t need to find the perfect words. What matters is showing that you care, listening and helping the person connect with further support. If someone is struggling in the moment, staying with them and helping them focus on the next few minutes can also help.

Samaritans’ lived-experience guidance includes simple distractions and grounding activities such as listening to music, going for a walk, reading, doing a puzzle or having something to eat or drink. These are not a replacement for professional help, but they may change how someone is feeling in that moment.

Support is available in our community
You don’t have to deal with difficult thoughts, poor mental health, bereavement or isolation on your own.

At Mashamshire Community Office, we can help you find the right support. Our Health & Wellbeing Booklet brings together information about local organisations, services and sources of support, helping you find somewhere to turn.

We can also help with signposting and connecting people with organisations that may be able to offer more specialist support.

Mind in Masham
Mind in Harrogate District provides confidential and personalised mental health support. The service can offer information, signposting and referrals, as well as coordinated wellbeing groups and activities that can help improve social connection. Appointments are available through Masham Community Office. Click here.

Just ‘B’
Just ‘B’ provides specialist bereavement and emotional wellbeing support for adults, children and young people across North Yorkshire.
Their support can be particularly important for people experiencing bereavement, including those affected by suicide. Just ‘B’ also offers emotional wellbeing support for people experiencing difficulties such as anxiety, depression, stress and low mood. You can contact them by phone, text or email and request support from a trained specialist. Click here.

The Farming Community Network
For people working in farming and rural communities, The Farming Community Network (FCN) provides confidential support for a wide range of personal, family, farming and business difficulties.
FCN volunteers understand the particular pressures that can come with farming and rural life and can listen without judgement, help people explore their options and connect them with appropriate support. Click here.

Samaritans
You can contact the Samaritans free, day or night, 365 days a year, on 116 123.
You don’t have to be at a crisis point to call. If you’re struggling to cope, feeling overwhelmed or simply need someone to listen, Samaritans will be there to talk.

Samaritans also has helpful guidance about how to interrupt suicidal thoughts, both when you are worried about somebody else and when you are struggling yourself. Their resources have been developed by people with lived experience and offer practical ideas for starting conversations, listening and creating moments of connection (click on the links below for more information).

• How to interrupt someone’s suicidal thoughts
• How to support yourself if you’re struggling with suicidal thoughts

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, has seriously harmed themselves or you believe there is an immediate risk to life, call 999 or go to A&E. For urgent mental health support, you can also call NHS 111 and select option 2.

If you are looking for support before things reach crisis point, please don’t wait. Speak to someone you trust, contact one of the organisations above, or get in touch with Mashamshire Community Office.

You are not alone!!

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