‘Change the Narrative on Suicide’ this World Suicide Prevention Day 2025

This World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September 2025), HSE Dublin and South East is asking people, communities, and organisations to foster open, honest conversations about suicide.

The international theme of World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) is 'Changing the Narrative on Suicide'. Suicide is a serious global public health issue, with over 700,000 lives lost each year. Its impact extends far beyond the individual, deeply affecting families, communities, and societies at large.

HSE Dublin and South East is sharing five key messages about World Suicide Prevention Day 2025. By initiating these vital conversations, we can break down barriers, raise awareness, and create better cultures of understanding and support.

Key messages this #WSPD2025:

• Reach Out and Check In – Take time to connect with people around you. A simple check-in can bring hope and make a real difference.
• Your Words Matter – Speak with kindness and empathy when talking about suicide. Everyone affected, whether they’ve lost someone or struggled themselves, deserves dignity and respect.
• Be Safe Online – Share information about suicide or self-harm responsibly and supportively. Help create a safer, more sensitive online space for everyone.
• Let’s Talk About Suicide – Build your suicide prevention skills. Learn how to spot signs and support someone, you could help save a life (please see below for information on upcoming suicide prevention training in the region).
• Know Where to Get Help – Familiarise yourself with local and national supports and services. Knowing where to turn can make a meaningful difference.

Speaking this #WSPD2025, Adam Byrne, Resource Officer for Suicide Prevention, HSE Dublin South and Wicklow and Tracy Nugent, Service Manager, the HSE Regional Suicide Resource Office, Carlow/Kilkenny/South Tipperary and Waterford/Wexford, urged people, communities, organisations and groups to come together and foster open and honest conversations about suicide.

“This year’s international theme, Changing the Narrative on Suicide, reminds us that we all have a role to play in breaking down the stigma associated with suicide and building a culture of compassion and understanding.

“Suicide leaves a profound impact on people, families and communities and by talking openly, we can raise awareness, offer support and help save people’s lives. This #WSPD2025, we are here to support and inspire people to know where to turn to make a meaningful difference and to create a safe and sensitive space for everyone.”

The HSE Regional Suicide Resource Office in collaboration with a number of partners is hosting several events to coincide with World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September 2025. They are also supporting community-based groups across the five counties of Carlow, Kilkenny, South Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford with advice and resources to host their own activities and events. The organisations involved are all members of the regional, interagency Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Group under Connecting for Life.

In Dublin South East, Dublin South and East Wicklow, there are opportunities to engage in training or attend in-person talks.

Regional events include:

Together at Every Age and Stage – Community Mental health and Wellness Event

Date: 10 September 2025

Time: 1.30 pm to 5 pm

Location: Cill Barra Hall, Waterford

The HSE Regional Suicide Resource Office in collaboration with Waterford Area Partnership is hosting a mental health and wellness event to coincide with World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September 2025. This event aims to bring services, supports and the community together in Waterford to showcase what help is available for our mental health. The afternoon will be filled with talks, workshops, information stands and outdoor activities. You can book to attend via this link: Community Mental Health and Wellness Event

Conversation to End Stigma

Date: 11 September 2025

Time: 11 am to 12.30 pm

Location: Online

To mark World Suicide Prevention Day, the HSE Regional Suicide Resource Office, SHINE and Mental Health Ireland will host an online Connect Café. We will hear from a Green Ribbon Ambassador and will connect in conversation to end stigma. You can book to attend via this link: Register for Conversations to End Stigma

Training

The HSE Regional Suicide Resource Office delivers a suite of training programmes relating to suicide prevention, intervention and postvention. Everyone can start to build their skills in this area by completing Let’s Talk About Suicide; the programme is available from https://traininghub.nosp.ie/.

· Visit www.bookwhen.com/sro for details of in-person training that is available in the South East region this autumn.

· Visit https://bookwhen.com/che for details of in-person training and talks available in Dublin South East, Dublin South and East Wicklow.