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How to Get Involved in National Self Care Week

National Self Care Week arrives just when students often need it most: the nights are darker, deadlines are creeping up and energy levels are dipping. 

Officially, the UK-wide campaign runs from 17–23 November 2025, but many universities and colleges will be running activities across the whole week of 18–24 November, making it an ideal moment to pause, reset and think about how you look after yourself and the people around you. 

What National Self Care Week Is All About

National Self Care Week is an annual awareness week led by the Self Care Forum, a UK charity that exists to embed self-care into everyday life. 

It focuses on helping people develop the knowledge, confidence and habits to look after their own health and wellbeing, with support from communities and services, rather than only turning to the NHS when things reach crisis point. 

A Simple Definition of Self-Care

The Self Care Forum defines self-care as the actions that individuals take for themselves, on behalf of and with others, in order to develop, protect, maintain and improve their health, wellbeing or wellness. 

In practice, that might mean everyday choices like eating reasonably well, moving your body, sleeping enough, managing stress, seeking support when you need it and knowing when to use a pharmacy, NHS 111 or a GP. 

It is less about spa days and more about tiny, consistent decisions that help you stay well. 

The 2025 Theme: Mind and Body

The theme for National Self Care Week 2025 is “Mind and Body”. The idea is to highlight how closely mental and physical health are linked, and to encourage people to see self-care as something that supports both together rather than treating them as separate boxes. 

The Self Care Forum is promoting the full “self-care continuum”, from lifestyle choices to managing minor illnesses and long-term conditions, but this year there is a particular emphasis on the benefits of movement and physical activity for overall wellbeing. 

Why Self-Care Matters for Students

Student life can be exciting, but it is also full of pressure: academic work, part-time jobs, money worries, friendships, relationships and sometimes living away from home for the first time. 

It is very easy to slip into a pattern of late nights, irregular meals and constant stress, then wonder why everything feels harder than it should. Self-care gives you a way to manage that load more sustainably. 

Looking after your mind and body tends to improve concentration, mood and resilience, and it can reduce the need for last-minute urgent appointments by helping you spot issues earlier and use services appropriately. 

Everyday Self-Care on Campus

National Self Care Week is a good excuse to experiment with a kinder daily routine rather than trying to reinvent your life overnight. 

You might decide to walk to campus instead of always taking the bus, add a short stretch or movement break between study sessions, or make a simple plan for regular meals instead of skipping food when deadlines loom. 

You could also build in a daily “check-in” with yourself, asking how your mind and body feel and then taking one small action, such as drinking water, stepping outside for fresh air, messaging a friend or booking a chat with student support if something has been bothering you for a while.

Using the Right Health Support at the Right Time

A big part of the Self Care Week message is about using the right kind of help for different situations. 

Community pharmacies, for example, are highlighted as an accessible first stop for advice on common conditions like coughs, colds, minor skin issues or tummy upsets, and pharmacists can also help you understand medicines and decide when it is time to see a GP or use other NHS services. 

Alongside this, the Self Care Forum provides fact sheets and toolkits that organisations often share during the week, so it is worth checking your university’s website and social channels for links to reliable information rather than relying on random search results.

Getting Involved with Events and Activities

Many universities, colleges and local health partners run events during National Self Care Week, ranging from wellbeing walks and yoga sessions to drop-in stalls, mental health workshops and pharmacy or GP information stands. 

It is worth keeping an eye on your students’ union, wellbeing service and library noticeboards to see what is happening on your campus between 18 and 24 November. 

Even something small, like attending a short talk about stress, joining a group walk or popping by a stall to pick up a leaflet, can remind you that you are not the only one trying to juggle everything and that support is available. 

Helping Friends and Flatmates Look After Themselves

Self-care is personal, but it is also social. The Self Care Forum emphasises that self-care often happens “with others” as much as alone, which means there is real value in gently looking out for friends and flatmates. 

During Self Care Week you might check in with someone who has gone quiet, suggest a shared meal or walk if a friend seems overwhelmed, or offer to go along with them if they want to visit a GP, counselling service or pharmacy but feel nervous. 

You do not need to become anyone’s therapist; simply being a calm, non-judgemental presence and reminding people of the support available can make a big difference.

Spreading Awareness On and Offline

If you enjoy social media or student journalism, Self Care Week is a great chance to help spread useful messages rather than just doomscrolling. 

The Self Care Forum and many local organisations share ready-made graphics and posts focused on physical wellbeing, pharmacy use, mental wellness, common conditions and long-term conditions, which you can re-share or adapt with your own perspective as a student. 

You could write a short piece for a student newsletter, create a simple Instagram story about what self-care looks like for you, or encourage your society to post something aligned with the “Mind and Body” theme. 

Making Self-Care Last Beyond the Week

Perhaps the most important part of National Self Care Week is what happens afterwards. The campaign exists to encourage long-term habits, not just a one-off burst of good intentions. 

As the week ends, choose one small mind-focused habit, such as a daily check-in, journalling or taking five minutes to breathe before bed, and one body-focused habit, such as adding a short walk, prioritising sleep on most nights or drinking more water. 

Tell a friend what you are trying so you can gently keep each other on track. Over time, these small changes can make student life more manageable and more enjoyable. 

Self-care is not about being perfect; it is about giving yourself the best chance to feel well enough to learn, connect and make the most of your time at university, long after the campaign posters come down.

Road Safety Week – Everything You Need to Know

Road Safety Week is your annual reminder to look up, slow down, and think about how we share streets, pavements, and cycle lanes. 

It’s a national moment for schools, colleges, families, and communities to turn good intentions into everyday habits. This year it begins on 17 November and runs for a full week, giving everyone time to learn something new, try a safer routine, and encourage friends to do the same.

What Road Safety Really Means

Road safety is more than remembering to “look both ways.” It’s a set of simple, proven behaviours – from wearing seat belts and helmets to using crossings and respecting speed limits – that help keep everyone safe, whether you’re walking to lectures, hopping on a bus, cycling to training, or catching a lift. 

It also includes the social side of travel: being considerate, staying alert, and speaking up when something feels risky. When these behaviours become normal, roads feel calmer, journeys run smoothly, and accidents are far less likely.

When It Happens and Why It Matters

Road Safety Week starts on 17 November and lasts seven days. Schools and colleges often use the week to host assemblies, invite local officers to speak, or run creative activities that bring the message to life. 

Even if you don’t drive, you use the road environment daily. Small choices – crossing at the right place, putting your phone away near traffic, checking bike lights before you set off – can make a big difference. 

Winter only raises the stakes, with darker evenings and slippery surfaces adding extra risk, so a mid-November reset is perfectly timed.

Safer Journeys on Foot

Walking is the most common way students travel, and it’s where distraction causes the most near-misses. Planning a familiar, well-lit route reduces the urge to take last-minute chances at awkward junctions. 

As you approach a crossing, making brief eye contact with drivers helps confirm you’ve been seen, especially if a bus or parked van is blocking sight lines. Keeping your phone in your pocket until you’re well away from the curb removes a major source of risk. 

In the darker months, light-coloured layers or a small reflective accessory make you far more visible without cramping your style.

Confident Cycling and Scooting

If you’re on two wheels, predictability is your best friend. A quick check of brakes, tyres, reflectors, and lights before you roll away can prevent issues later on. 

Riding a little out from the curb makes you more visible and keeps you clear of sudden hazards like car doors and potholes. Clear hand signals, steady positioning, and eye contact with drivers at junctions all help others to give you space. 

To tip: A well-fitted helmet adds a final layer of protection, particularly on busy routes or in poor weather.

Being a Better Passenger

Passengers shape the journey more than they realise. Belting up on every seat, every trip – even for two minutes down the road – is non-negotiable. 

If a driver is distracted, speeding, or trying to text, it’s reasonable to ask them to pause or pull over; a calm, direct comment often resets the tone. When sharing lifts, agree simple rules in advance: phones away for the driver, music at a sensible volume, and no pressure to rush. 

Choosing trusted drivers and sharing your live location with a friend can add reassurance on late journeys.

Night and Winter Travel

Shorter days bring visibility challenges and tricky surfaces. Adding a clip-on light, a reflective band, or a bright cover on your bag helps drivers and cyclists spot you earlier. 

Take corners and curbs with a touch more care; wet leaves, puddles, and ice can be deceptive. Give yourself extra time so you’re not sprinting across roads or weaving between vehicles to make a lecture or train. 

Top tip: Slowing the pace slightly often makes the journey safer and, paradoxically, less stressful.

Using Buses and Public Transport

Buses are brilliant for budgets and the planet, but they can create blind spots. 

Avoid dashing across the road to catch one – there will always be another- and never step out immediately in front of or behind a stopped bus, as approaching traffic may not see you. At stops, give yourself a little space from the curb and be mindful of crowds, especially at night. 

When getting off, take a second to re-orient yourself before crossing, as your view and speed can be distorted after a seated ride.

Phones, Friends, and the Social Bit

Travel is social, and groups can either raise or lower risk. Agreeing a “phones-down at crossings” habit with your friends turns safety into a team effort. 

If someone is messing around at the edge of the pavement or daring traffic, a friendly nudge to step back is more powerful than it sounds. 

Celebrating good habits – the mate who always uses lights, the driver who waits patiently at a zebra crossing – helps set a positive norm that others copy without thinking.

Getting Your School or College Involved

If your campus hasn’t planned anything for Road Safety Week, starting small works well. 

A ten-minute tutor-time briefing with three local safety tips can spark useful conversations. A “be seen” day with reflective stickers or a quick free lights check outside the bike racks makes the theme visible. 

Mapping the trickiest crossings or fastest-moving streets around your site and sharing the results with your student union or local council turns observation into action. The key is to make one change that lasts beyond the week.

Encouraging Others Without the Lecture

People respond better to encouragement than to finger-wagging. Share a quick story of a near-miss that made you change a habit, or invite a friend to walk a safer route with you once so it becomes familiar. 

If you’re in a lift club, agree house rules together so no one feels singled out. On social media, swap scare tactics for practical micro-tips: pocket the phone at curbs, make eye contact at junctions, check lights before leaving, and add a reflective touch after dark.

The Bottom Line

Road Safety Week from 17 November isn’t about fear; it’s about confidence. A handful of small, smart choices – planning routes, staying visible, keeping focus, and speaking up – turn everyday trips into safer, calmer journeys. 

Start with one change today, keep it going tomorrow, and you’ll not only protect yourself, but also set the tone for friends, classmates, and your wider community.

Movember – Men’s Health Awareness Month

Every November, moustaches begin to appear on faces across campuses, offices and high streets. That’s Movember in action – a global movement that uses the humble “Mo” to spark conversations and raise funds for men’s health. 

The charity behind it focuses on three major areas where men often suffer in silence: prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health, including suicide prevention. 

The concept is disarmingly simple. Grow a moustache, get people talking, and turn that attention into donations that fund research, support services and life-saving education.

Why It Matters – Especially for Students

Men are statistically more likely to delay asking for help, downplay symptoms and avoid difficult health conversations. Those delays can make problems far harder to treat. 

For students, the stakes are real. Testicular cancer disproportionately affects younger men, and many mental health challenges surface or intensify during late teens and early twenties. 

University life can be brilliant, but deadlines, money worries and social pressures add up quickly. Movember offers a friendly way in: a month to normalise health chats, learn the warning signs and remind yourself – and your mates – that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

The Mission Behind the Mo

At its heart, Movember aims to build better conversations and fund meaningful change. The moustache is a conversation starter that gives you permission to talk about awkward topics – from self-checks and GP visits to anxiety, loneliness or burnout. 

The money raised backs programmes that improve early detection, widen access to care and create community-based mental health initiatives. 

Crucially, these programmes meet men where they already are: in sports clubs, dorm kitchens, gaming societies and group chats, rather than formal settings that can feel intimidating.

Easy Ways to Get Involved

You don’t need facial hair to participate. If you can grow a Mo, start clean-shaven on 1 November and let it become your talking point for the month. Share weekly photos, explain why you’re taking part and invite small donations from friends and family. 

If growing isn’t your thing, set yourself a movement goal – running, walking, cycling or swimming – and track your progress publicly to encourage sponsorship. Hosting a low-pressure “Mo-ment” also works brilliantly: a quiz night, five-a-side tournament, open mic or study-break coffee meet-up can raise both funds and awareness. 

Creative souls can “Mo Their Own Way” by setting a personal challenge, from cold-water dips to cooking healthy meals for housemates, and tying it to a fundraising target.

Tips That Make Your Campaign Land

Personal stories resonate far more than statistics. A couple of honest lines about why you care – perhaps a friend’s experience or your own – will travel further than a lecture. 

Keep your ask small and specific so it feels doable; a few pounds for today’s run or a pound per kilometre soon adds up. Show the journey with photos and quick updates, because people donate when they feel part of a story. 

Involve societies, course cohorts and sports teams to extend your reach, and make giving effortless by pinning your donation link on social media profiles and adding a simple QR code to posters or table-toppers at events.

Men’s Health Basics, In Plain English

Prostate cancer risk rises with age, so encourage older male relatives to speak to their GP about family history and testing. 

Testicular cancer is one of the most common cancers in younger men, and monthly self-checks are quick and easy – if you notice a lump, swelling, heaviness or a dull ache, book a GP appointment promptly, because earlier treatment is usually simpler and more successful. 

Mental health deserves equal attention. Feeling stressed or low is part of life, but if that feeling lingers, begins to affect sleep or studies, or tips into hopelessness, it’s time to talk. University counselling services, GPs and trusted charities can help. 

If someone is at immediate risk, emergency services are the right next step.

How to Check In on a Mate

Pick a moment that feels natural rather than intense. A walk to lectures, a gym session or a bus ride can make opening up easier than a sit-down interrogation. Ask twice if you sense a brush-off; “I hear you – how are you really?” often unlocks a more honest answer. 

Focus on listening rather than fixing everything in one go, and offer gentle next steps if they seem open to them, such as booking a GP appointment together or dropping by the counselling drop-in. 

The message you want to send is simple: they’re not a burden, and you’re in their corner.

Campus-Friendly Ways to Raise Awareness

Universities are packed with channels that can give your campaign a lift. A “Mo Board” of Polaroids with short notes – “I’m growing for my dad,” “I’m running for my housemate,” “I’m checking in for myself” – turns awareness into a visible, communal act. 

A two-minute lecture introduction, with one fact, one action and one link, can reach hundreds of students in a day. Local barbers and cafés often love to help; a small donation with every moustache trim or “Movember mocha” creates a steady stream of funds and conversation. 

Simple merch like stickers or temporary moustache tattoos can add a playful touch and keep the cause visible.

Final Word: Small Actions, Big Change

Movember works because it turns awkward topics into everyday conversations. Whether you grow a Mo, move more, host a small event or create your own challenge, you’re helping men catch problems earlier and talk more openly. 

Culture changes in tiny increments: one moustache, one message, one mate-to-mate chat at a time. 

If you do just one thing this month, make a plan to check in with someone – and don’t forget to look after yourself, too. A quick self-exam, a candid chat or a GP appointment could be the quiet decision that makes all the difference.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month – Everything You Need to Know

Every October, you’ll notice a wave of pink ribbons appearing on social media, shopfronts, and even on sports kits. 

That’s because October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month – a global campaign dedicated to raising awareness about one of the most common cancers worldwide. But what’s it all about, why is it important, and how can you get involved? 

Let’s break it down.

What is Breast Cancer Awareness Month?

Breast Cancer Awareness Month was first established in the 1980s and has since become one of the most recognised health campaigns in the world. The aim is simple: to raise awareness of breast cancer, promote the importance of early detection, and support ongoing research and treatment efforts.

The pink ribbon is the universal symbol of the movement. You’ll see it pinned on coats, lighting up landmarks, and woven into fundraisers. It’s more than just a colour choice – it’s a sign of solidarity with those affected and a reminder to keep the conversation going.

Why it Matters

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women globally, and men can be affected too, though at much lower rates. In the United Kingdom alone, around 1 in 7 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. 

That might sound daunting, but the good news is that survival rates are improving, largely thanks to awareness campaigns and advances in research.

The key is early detection. Spotting symptoms early, such as changes in breast shape, lumps, or unusual discharge, can make treatment far more effective. Awareness month reminds everyone to check themselves regularly, get screenings where appropriate, and talk openly about symptoms that might otherwise go unnoticed.

What Students Should Know

If you’re a student, you might think breast cancer awareness doesn’t really apply to you – but it does. While breast cancer is more common in older women, younger people can still be affected. 

Knowing the signs early and building the habit of regular self-checks is invaluable. On top of that, universities and student groups often use October as a chance to fundraise and spread awareness. 

From charity runs to pink-themed socials, there are plenty of ways students can get involved, contribute, and make a difference. Plus, it’s a great way to build community spirit while supporting a cause that touches so many lives.

How to Get Involved

Raising awareness doesn’t have to mean climbing a mountain or running a marathon – though you certainly can if that’s your thing. Here are some simple but effective ways to play your part:

• Wear Pink with Purpose: Whether it’s a ribbon on your jacket, a pink hoodie, or a themed sports kit, wearing pink is an easy way to show support and spark conversations.

• Fundraising Events: Bake sales, sponsored walks, quiz nights, or even dyeing your hair pink – creativity is key. Every penny raised supports research, patient care, and educational campaigns.

• Social Media Power: Share posts, stories, or even personal messages about the importance of awareness. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are powerful spaces for spreading health messages among younger audiences.

• Get Educated: Take a few minutes to read up on symptoms, screening, and support services. Knowing what to look out for means you’re better equipped to help yourself and others.

• Volunteer or Donate: Charities such as Breast Cancer Now, Coppafeel! and Cancer Research UK always welcome donations or volunteer support, whether that’s shaking buckets at events or helping with local campaigns.

Breaking the Stigma

One of the biggest impacts of Breast Cancer Awareness Month has been breaking down the stigma around talking about breast health. 

In the past, conversations about cancer often felt taboo or uncomfortable. Today, the pink ribbon has helped make it easier to discuss symptoms, treatment, and emotional support.

This openness is especially vital for students and younger generations, where embarrassment or lack of knowledge might prevent someone from speaking up. Awareness campaigns encourage honest conversations and normalise the idea that it’s okay to ask questions or seek help.

A Global Effort with Local Impact

While Breast Cancer Awareness Month is international, the impact is very much felt locally. Universities, workplaces, and community groups run their own events, each adding to the bigger picture.

For example, a small bake sale on campus might raise £200, which could help fund counselling sessions for patients or contribute to research grants. The beauty of the campaign is that no effort is too small – everything counts.

Final Thoughts

Breast Cancer Awareness Month isn’t just about pink ribbons and fundraising (though those are important). It’s about saving lives through education, encouraging people to take their health seriously, and standing shoulder to shoulder with those affected by breast cancer.

For students and young people, it’s a chance to learn habits that could one day save lives – yours or someone else’s. It’s also a chance to rally together, make a positive impact, and prove that awareness really does make a difference.

So this October, don’t just notice the pink ribbons – join in. Whether you’re baking cupcakes, sharing a post, or checking yourself for the first time, you’re part of a movement that matters.

Stand Up To Cancer Day: Everything You Need to Know to Get Involved

Every September, people across the United Kingdom come together to recognise an important cause: Stand Up To Cancer Day. 

Taking place this year on 12th September, the day is far more than just a date in the diary. It represents a movement that unites schools, universities, workplaces and communities in the fight against cancer. 

Whether you are a student, a young professional or someone who has been touched by cancer personally, it is an opportunity to make a real difference.

What Exactly Is Stand Up To Cancer Day?

Stand Up To Cancer Day forms part of a larger campaign that aims to accelerate life-saving cancer research. Instead of being a one-off event, it acts as a rallying point, encouraging people to come together and take action. 

The central mission is to raise money for research projects that can lead to better treatments and, crucially, save lives. 

Over the years, the campaign has shown how small efforts – whether that’s through creative events, sponsored challenges or simple acts of generosity – can contribute to extraordinary scientific progress.

Why Awareness Matters

Cancer affects more people than many realise. In fact, one in two people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime, a statistic that underlines the importance of understanding the disease. 

Awareness is about more than recognising symptoms. It is also about breaking down stigma, supporting early detection and ensuring that resources for research remain a priority. 

For students and young adults, it can sometimes feel like cancer is an issue for later in life, but knowledge and awareness now can help you to look after yourself and the people around you in the years to come.

Finding Ways to Get Involved

One of the most powerful aspects of Stand Up To Cancer Day is that anyone can take part, no matter their circumstances. People often find their own creative ways to join in, whether that is through school-wide themed days, community gatherings or personal challenges. 

For students, simply sharing stories and information on social media can spread awareness across hundreds of people within minutes. For others, committing to personal challenges – such as sporting activities or endurance tests – often provides both motivation and a chance to encourage sponsorship from friends and family. 

Even small actions, like donating a few pounds or encouraging peers to contribute, can combine to make a significant impact.

Supporting Someone Living with Cancer

Stand Up To Cancer Day is not only about fundraising, but also about human connection. If you know someone who is living with cancer, your presence and support can be incredibly meaningful. 

Something as simple as spending time together, offering to help with everyday tasks or being a consistent source of encouragement can provide comfort during a challenging period. 

It is equally important to acknowledge that supporting someone through illness can be emotionally demanding. Recognising when you need support yourself and making use of resources such as Macmillan Cancer Support or Cancer Research UK can help you cope and maintain your own wellbeing.

Taking Care of Your Own Concerns

Health worries can feel overwhelming, and it is normal to feel anxious if you notice something unusual in your body or if cancer runs in your family. The best step you can take is to speak to a doctor early on. 

Often symptoms turn out to be harmless, but if something does require treatment, catching it early makes a huge difference. Beyond the physical aspects, it is important to remember that mental health support is also available. 

Many schools, universities and workplaces have counselling services or wellbeing teams who can provide reassurance and guidance if your worries start to feel too heavy.

Why Fundraising Really Counts

When it comes to fundraising, it is easy to feel that individual efforts are too small to matter. Yet the reality is that each contribution forms part of a much larger picture. 

Funds raised through Stand Up To Cancer have already supported over fifty clinical trials, giving thousands of patients access to new treatments and the hope of better outcomes. 

Every conversation, every pound and every action helps to push scientific research forward, enabling discoveries that could change countless lives in the future.

Final Thoughts

Stand Up To Cancer Day on 12th September is about more than wearing an orange ribbon or making a donation. It is a collective stand against one of the most pressing health challenges of our time. 

From students spreading awareness on social media, to families hosting events in their local communities, to individuals quietly supporting loved ones, everyone has a role to play. Together, these actions send a powerful message: cancer may affect many of us, but it does not define us.

This September, the invitation is clear. Whether you are raising funds, offering emotional support or simply sharing information, you are contributing to a much bigger effort. Stand Up To Cancer Day is your chance to be part of that movement – to stand together, to act with compassion and to help create a future where cancer is no longer the defining battle it is today.

World Suicide Prevention Day: How to Raise Awareness and Support the Cause

Every year on 10th September, people across the globe pause to acknowledge World Suicide Prevention Day. 

It is a moment dedicated not only to remembrance but also to action, encouraging conversations about a subject that is often avoided. Suicide affects millions of lives, leaving behind families, friends, and communities who are forever changed. 

By giving it attention on this day, we are reminded of the importance of openness, compassion, and the role we can all play in supporting those around us.

Understanding World Suicide Prevention Day

World Suicide Prevention Day was first introduced in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) in partnership with the World Health Organisation (WHO). 

It was created to shine a spotlight on the alarming reality of suicide as a public health crisis while also offering hope that change is possible. The day is marked with events worldwide, from vigils and talks to awareness campaigns and community gatherings. 

Each year carries a theme that underlines the shared mission of reducing stigma and encouraging people to reach out for help. At its heart, the day is about people – individual lives, struggles, and the opportunity for communities to come together in solidarity.

Why Suicide Prevention Matters

Suicide is tragically one of the leading causes of death across the world. The World Health Organisation estimates that more than 700,000 people die by suicide every year, equating to one life lost every 40 seconds. 

For young people in particular, it remains a significant risk, and the ripple effects are devastating. Families, schools, and workplaces all feel the impact of such a loss.

The crucial message of World Suicide Prevention Day is that suicide can often be prevented. Many people who struggle with suicidal thoughts do not want their life to end – they simply want their pain to stop. 

When support, understanding, and appropriate resources are made accessible, the outcome can be very different. This is why awareness matters: it challenges stigma, opens up conversations, and reminds us that seeking help is a sign of courage rather than weakness.

Raising Awareness in Everyday Life

Marking World Suicide Prevention Day does not always require large-scale initiatives. Often, small but genuine acts of awareness can have a powerful effect. 

Talking openly about mental health is one way of breaking down the silence that surrounds it. When people feel safe to share their experiences, it helps to normalise these conversations and reassures others that they are not alone.

Awareness can also be spread through personal platforms, such as sharing information or helplines online. Social media can be a positive tool when used to promote messages of hope and resources for those in need. 

Communities and universities often hold events or talks on 10th September, and taking part demonstrates solidarity with those affected by suicide. Even wearing the orange and yellow suicide prevention ribbon can spark a conversation and remind someone that support is available. 

These small gestures are powerful because they all contribute to creating a culture where mental wellbeing is prioritised.

Supporting Friends and Loved Ones

One of the most valuable contributions an individual can make is to be present for those who are struggling. 

It is not always easy to know what to say when someone is experiencing poor mental health, but listening without judgement is often more impactful than giving advice. Checking in regularly, even with something as simple as asking how they are doing, can reduce feelings of isolation.

Practical gestures – whether it is sitting down over a coffee, going for a walk together, or reminding someone that they matter – help to provide reassurance. Encouraging professional support is also important, but it is the sense of connection and empathy that often makes the first difference. 

While none of us can fix another person’s problems completely, we can all create an environment where people feel less alone in their struggles.

Seeking Help When You Need It

For those experiencing feelings of hopelessness or suicidal thoughts, knowing where to turn is critical. 

Speaking up may feel daunting, but it is a crucial step toward recovery. Support is available around the clock, with organisations such as Samaritans, who can be reached for free at 116 123, offering confidential help day or night. 

Mind provides information and resources for anyone experiencing a mental health challenge, while Papyrus HOPELINEUK (0800 068 4141) focuses specifically on young people who may be at risk.

In situations of immediate danger, it is essential to call 999. Even if the words feel difficult to say, reaching out can be life-saving. Taking that first step – whether through a helpline, a GP, or a trusted friend – is not a weakness, but a strength. It signals that life matters and that there is hope for the future.

Why Awareness Days Make a Difference

World Suicide Prevention Day exists to remind us that mental health is not something to be hidden or ignored. 

It gives communities the chance to reflect on how they can better support one another, while also reinforcing the message that every life is valuable. It prompts important conversations, encourages compassion, and challenges the stigma that continues to surround suicide.

Awareness days like this may not provide all the solutions, but they do create momentum for change. They remind us to keep mental health on the agenda every day of the year and to take small but meaningful actions that contribute to a more understanding and supportive world.

Final Thoughts

On 10th September, recognising World Suicide Prevention Day is not about grand gestures but about connection, awareness, and compassion. Each conversation, each act of kindness, and each effort to promote support services plays a role in reducing the silence that surrounds suicide. 

By raising awareness and supporting one another, we take steps toward a future where fewer lives are lost and more people find the hope and help they deserve.