19 September 2025

The CNWL World Suicide Prevention online conference was held on Thursday 11 September to mark World Suicide Prevention Day - led by the Trust’s Suicide Prevention Steering Group. The theme "Changing the Narrative on Suicide" is a call to action for all of us to "start the conversation". Changing the narrative on suicide will transform how we perceive this complex issue and move from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness and understanding.

Our conference brought together those with lived experience and a wide range of professions both clinicians and non-clinicians, for a powerful morning of learning and reflection. It was such a privilege to hear from such a diverse group of inspirational, thought provoking and engaging speakers about the importance of meaningful relationships and connecting with those who are struggling and about the devasting impact of losing a loved one to suicide. We have learnt about who might be vulnerable and why, we were reminded of the key interventions that make a difference to people’s lives and prevent suicide and how important it is to provide person-centred care and to build meaningful relationships with both our service users and their families and carers.

Thank you so much to all our speakers: to Professor Nav Kapur, Dr Gareth Jarvis, Professor David Mosse, Holly Thomas and Susan Bray, Chris Frederick and Claire Murdoch. Each voice added such a unique perspective to preventing suicide which reinforced messages of compassion and hope.

Thank you so much, too, to all those who attended the conference, for your thoughtfulness and respect and for helping to make the day so impactful and empowering.

Please take care of yourself, it may be helpful to discuss your feelings with a friend, colleague or a confidential service, remember you are not alone, please reach out, there is always help available for you.