Suicide is a major public health problem with far-reaching social, emotional and economic consequences. It is estimated that there are currently more than 700,000 suicides per year worldwide, and we know that each suicide profoundly affects many more people. Suicide remains a critical global issue, affecting individuals and communities worldwide.
This year’s theme, Change the Narrative on Suicide, aims to inspire individuals, communities, organisations, and governments to engage in open and honest discussions about suicide and suicidal behaviour. By initiating these vital conversations, we can break down barriers, raise awareness, and create better cultures of understanding and support.
You can read more about World Suicide Prevention Day and the theme on the International Association for Suicide Prevention website.
To support the theme, Change the Narrative, we want to hear from you!
So we can build awareness of and engagement with this theme, we’d love to hear from people with various lived experiences, from various communities to start the conversation on how we can change the narrative on suicide prevention for you, personally.
To do this, we invite you to finish this statement: What I wish people knew about suicide is…
Your answer will be added to a blog on our website, which will be shared on our socials. A selection will also be handwritten on postcards and added to our wall of responses, which we will watch grow over the three years of this World Suicide Prevention Day theme.
Simply click below to submit your response.
What I wish people knew about suicide
Click below to view responses and watch videos of people with lived experience sharing their thoughts.
What do people with lived experience of suicide wish…
Watch compilation video
How Roses in the Ocean got involved in 2024
Roses in the Ocean held their annual World Suicide Prevention Day event in Queen Street Mall, Brisbane on Tuesday, 10 September.
The Roses in the Ocean Brisbane team, along with local service providers, spent the day have open, honest conversations around suicide in line with the World Suicide Prevention Day Theme, Change the Narrative on Suicide. The day provided an opportunity for people to share their own stories, including contributing to an art display of what they wish people knew about suicide, and members of the community received the gift of a rose from the Roses in the Ocean team as a symbolic reminder that they are heard and cared for.
We were honoured to hear the poetry of Justin Geange, our lived experience speaker from MATES in Construction, who shared not only the importance of seeking help, and reducing the stigma surrounding suicide, but also sharing the vital impact people with a lived experience make to suicide prevention.
Local artist and chalk-drawer, Mace, created a chalk drawing on the theme and we were joined by the incredible Red Tie Band who provided beautiful relaxing music throughout the day. We thank each of the organisations and service providers who joined us throughout the day:
Roses in the Ocean’s team in WA attended the Lifeline WA Out of the Shadows walk and other events across Perth Metro area. 🌹
Saturday 7 September
Event 1:
Lifeline WA – Out of the Shadows Walk
Location: Kings Park Botanical gardens
Wadjuk Car park
Event time: 4.30am – 7am
Event 2:
City of Rockingham
World Suicide Prevention Day community event.
Location: Gary Holland Community Centre
19 Kent St, Rockingham
Event time: 9am – 11.30am
More info
Event 3:
City of Mandurah
R U OK? community event
Location: Dudley Park Child Parent Centre
Kooljack St, Dudley Park WA 6210
Event time: 9.30am – 11.30am
Tuesday 10 September
Event: South East Metro Suicide Prevention Alliance
Location: Armadale District Hall, corner of Jull St and Church Ave Armadale
Time: 9:30am – 12pm
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Our team in Sydney’s Northern Beaches collaborated with Lifeline to bring you a walk to remember those lost to suicide, and help Australians in crisis. We had a stall on the day and our Peer CARE Companions were available for connection.
Sunday 8 September
Event: Lifeline Northern Beaches – Out of the Shadows Walk
Location: Bilarong Reserve, North Narrabeen NSW
Time: Starts at 7:30am
Are you hosting an event for World Suicide Prevention Day? Download our Event Hosting Guide below.
Additional Resources
We have created a range of simple to use resources to assist you to host a World Suicide Prevention Day event in your workplace or community, including event planners, check lists, letters to local MPs and businesses requesting support, promotional poster templates and much more.