Plymouth’s free suicide prevention events open 10 September

Plymouth residents can attend two free World Suicide Prevention Day events on Thursday 10 and Friday 11 September. The main event runs from 12pm to 4.30pm at Methodist Central Hall, Plymouth, and requires registration. It is open to anyone who wants to understand suicide prevention, its effects on families and communities, and the support available across the city.

A second session will run from 12pm to 4pm on Friday at Burrington Hub, All Saints Academy. This is a free drop-in event, so no booking is required.

Both events are being hosted by Plymouth City Council’s Public Health team. They are intended for the general public, including people seeking information about local services and those affected by suicidal thoughts or bereavement by suicide.

Lived experience and local support at Methodist Central Hall

The main World Suicide Prevention Day event has the theme “Impact”. Sessions will consider the experience of a person in crisis, the effects of bereavement by suicide and how challenging stigma may help people feel able to seek support.

Networking begins at 12pm, allowing attendees to meet organisations involved in mental health and suicide prevention work across Plymouth. Those represented are expected to include Pete’s Dragons, Andy’s Man Club, Livewell Southwest, Papyrus, Young Devon, CAPE Men’s Mental Health Network and Jeremiah’s Journey.

The programme also includes lived experience speakers and information about suicide prevention work already taking place in the city. Attendees will hear about challenges affecting children and young people and discuss future plans for making Plymouth a suicide safer city.

The council says an average of 20 to 30 people die by suicide in Plymouth each year. The effects extend to families, friends, colleagues and the wider communities around each person.

Councillor Maria Lawson, Plymouth’s Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said open conversations can challenge stigma and encourage people to consider how they can support one another. She said the aim is for Plymouth to become a place where people feel able to ask for help and communities look out for each other.

Friday’s hub offers confidential drop-in conversations

The follow-up event at Burrington Hub provides a less structured setting for confidential conversations about suicide and mental health. People can continue discussions raised during Thursday’s programme or attend independently to learn about support and services in Plymouth.

No booking is needed for the Friday hub. The source does not provide transport or accessibility information for either venue, so anyone who needs those details should confirm them before travelling.

Dates, venues and entry arrangements

Anyone needing urgent mental health support should contact NHS 111 and select the mental health option. In an emergency, call 999.

Source: Plymouth City Council