Our community is affected by suicide, either directly or when we see increased media coverage about suicide. We may feel deeply saddened or find it affecting our own thoughts. Death from suicide is tragic, shocking and causes much heartache and sorrow to immediate family and friends, as well as the wider community.
More than 6,500 people across the UK take their own lives each year and tens of thousands more attempt suicide. It is also the biggest killer of young people. Raising awareness that suicide is a public health issue is key. Through education we can learn how to support people going through suicidal feelings and enable them to get the support and help they need.
If you are feeling unsafe with suicidal thoughts, please remember you are not alone and there are people who can support you. Try to take life one step at a time and focus on staying safe right now.
If you are supporting someone experiencing suicidal thoughts, you can also use the helplines below.
Reach out to stay safe
- Contact Shout via their 24/7 free text service if you are struggling to cope or need immediate help. Text Jami to 85258
- Phone Samaritans on Freephone 116 123 (24 hours a day) or the Jewish Helpline on 0800 652 9249 (Sunday – Thursday 12:00 – 00:00; Friday 12:00 – 15:00)
- For young people under 35 call Papyrus HOPELINE UK on 0800 068 41 41 or text 07860 039 967
- If anyone is in immediate danger call 999 or NHS Direct on 111
If you are an educator and need support on coping with suicide, we have published a resource ‘Coping After Suicide or Sudden Traumatic Death: A Guide for Schools’, which includes information on how to speak to young people about these sensitive subjects. To obtain a copy please email education@jamiuk.org
The resource has been produced via the Emergency Response Initiative Consortium (ERIC), which Jami has coordinated with Norwood, CST, JBCS, Grief Encounter and in partnership with PaJeS, to provide guidance after a student suicide or sudden traumatic death.
