Portsmouth's Annual Event Breaks the Silence on Suicide
In response to growing 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, is aimed at breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and providing direct support to people 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.
Organised in collaboration with Portsmouth City Council and held at Victoria Park, the event benefitted from its central, community-focused location, making it accessible to all. One passerby shared, "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've learned so much more about what Portsmouth services have to offer."
According to Mind UK, one in five people will experience suicidal thoughts in their lifetime, yet only 45% feel comfortable talking about it. Events like this are critical in changing that narrative. One attendee said, "I attended last year's event when I was in a bad place. The support I received from one of the participating services 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 Aldingbourne Trust and support from Ripple, HSBC UK, The Ollie Foundation, and many more, they brought together dozens of local organisations ready to listen to the people of Portsmouth. Events like these not only raise awareness but also make people feel seen and supported, which can be life-saving—not just for those experiencing suicidal thoughts but for their loved ones too.
If you or someone you know is struggling, there are organisations ready to help:
- Shout – Text 'SHOUT' to 85258 for free, confidential support via text
- Samaritans – Call 116 123 (available 24/7)
- Mind – Call 0300 123 3393 or text 86463
Written by Lizzie Senn. For media inquiries, please contact [email protected].