SGS LRC and World Suicide Prevention 2020

World Suicide Prevention Day 2020

What would you say if I were to tell you that suicide was the cause of 200,000 deaths every year? You’d be shocked, right? What about if that number was 400,000? 600,000?

In fact, according to the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), over 800,000 deaths a year are caused by suicide.

Let that sink in for a moment.

Suicide is consistently one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The IASP estimates that over 108 million people are seriously impacted by suicidal behaviour every year, both directly and indirectly.

September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day. The theme of this day is “Working Together To Prevent Suicide”. We all have an important role to play in the prevention of suicide, through raising awareness, educating ourselves and others, showing compassion and care to those around us, and helping to reduce the stigma still associated with suicide.

Take A Minute is one of the IASP’s campaigns which encourages and supports people in reaching out to others within their communities. Follow the link for more information on what you can do to help those around you who might be at risk.

We all have a part to play in suicide prevention.

Holly’s PomBombs

In July 2018, a young woman named Holly Cowlam took her own life. Holly’s family began Holly’s PomBombs both to commemorate Holly’s life, and to raise awareness of mental health issues and suicide prevention in order to help others in our community. Holly’s PomBombs serve as a bright and colourful conversation starter, encouraging people to talk about mental health issues and the topic of suicide openly, honestly, and without stigma.

Since 2019, SGS LRC has been involved with Holly’s PomBombs and their mission to raise mental health awareness within our local community. You might have seen our pombombing of the campuses earlier this year, and perhaps even joined us in our pom-pom making events!

SGS LRC is proud to be a continued supporter of Holly’s PomBombs, and of World Suicide Prevention Day.