Content warning: This article discusses suicide and mental health

Every year on 10 September, World Suicide Prevention Day raises awareness of suicide prevention and encourages greater openness, understanding and support. 

Organised by the International Association for Suicide Prevention and co-sponsored by the World Health Organization, the theme for 2024–2026 is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”, encouraging a move away from silence and stigma towards openness and understanding. 

• In 2024 it was reported that there were 7,147 deaths in the UK where the cause was suicide. (Skills Training Group, 2026)

• In 2023 suicide rates for men increased to 17.4 deaths per 100,000 from 16.4 and for women deaths rose to 5.7 per 100,000 from 5.4 the year before. (Office for National Statistics,2023) 

• In England and Wales, the number of suicides has increased to its highest level since 1994, with women aged 50–54.(Grassroots Suicide Prevention,2024) 

• The suicide rate was highest for males aged 45 to 49 and females aged 50-54. (Office for National Statistics,2023) 

• Every week approximately 115 people die by suicide (Grassroots Suicide Prevention,2026)

• Research shows 1 in 4 people in the UK have suicidal thoughts and 1 in 20 will attempt suicide (Grassroots Suicide Prevention,2026)

For the Fire Industry Association, this is an important opportunity to highlight the role that workplaces can play in supporting positive mental health and to signpost our members and the wider fire industry towards specialist support and resources. 

Mental health in the workplace 

Mental health should not simply be viewed as something for individuals to manage themselves. Organisations and their leaders have an important role to play in creating working environments where wellbeing is taken seriously, conversations about mental health are encouraged and people know where to find appropriate support. 

World Suicide Prevention Day provides an opportunity for organisations to consider their own workplace culture. Do employees feel able to talk about their mental health? Do managers know where to direct someone who may need support? And is mental wellbeing given the same consideration as physical health and safety? 

Support from Mates in Mind 

The FIA works in partnership with Mates in Mind, a UK charity focused on improving workplace mental health. 

For World Suicide Prevention Day, Mates in Mind has developed a range of specialist resources to help organisations raise awareness and create a culture of prevention. These include videos, workplace resources and information for employers, senior leaders, line managers, HR teams and health and safety professionals. 

Mates in Mind also provides free suicide awareness and suicide prevention training for construction SMEs and sole traders, developed in partnership with The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales and Baton of Hope. 

While 10 September provides an important opportunity to raise awareness, creating a supportive workplace culture should be an ongoing commitment. 

The FIA encourages members to use World Suicide Prevention Day to start conversations within their organisations and, importantly, to make use of the specialist support and resources available from Mates in Mind. 

Find out more and access World Suicide Prevention Day resources and training here 

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