World Suicide Prevention Day 2027

Related dates

• World Mental Health Day – 10 October
• Time to Talk Day – first Thursday of February
• Movember – November (men’s mental health)

Last reviewed: 2026-09-08. Added 2026 theme “Changing the Narrative on Suicide” and call to action “Start the Conversation” from IASP. Added date table, UK helplines section, and sources. Removed generic hashtag listing; restructured to lead with date and theme.

The 2024–2026 campaign: Changing the Narrative on Suicide

IASP identifies Changing the Narrative on Suicide as its 2024–2026 theme. It should not be labelled as an announced 2027 campaign. An applicable 2027 theme has not been verified in this check. IASP’s dated theme announcement

The theme for World Suicide Prevention Day 2026 is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”, with the call to action: “Start the Conversation.” This is the third and final year of the 2024-2026 three-year theme set by the IASP.

Why World Suicide Prevention Day matters

• Globally, close to 800,000 lives are lost to suicide each year – roughly one death every 40 seconds – yet the majority are preventable.
• For every death by suicide, an estimated 20 people make a suicide attempt, and many more experience suicidal thoughts.
• Suicide is the leading cause of death among young people aged 15-29 in many countries, including the UK.
• In England, the Samaritans report that men are three times more likely than women to die by suicide.

How to mark World Suicide Prevention Day 2027

• Start a conversation – check in with someone you know who may be struggling. A direct, caring question is not harmful; it shows you care.
• Light a candle at 8pm on 10 September in memory and in hope.
• Wear a yellow or orange ribbon, the official awareness colours for suicide prevention.
• Share resources: post the Samaritans and Shout details on your social media or in your workplace.
• Attend or organise a local awareness event, walk, or remembrance service.
• Get training – organisations like Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) offer evidence-based programmes in the UK and globally.

UK support and resources

• If a life is at risk: call 999 or go to A&E. In England you can also call NHS 111 and choose the mental health option.
• Samaritans: Call 116 123, free, 24/7. samaritans.org
• Childline (under 19s): Call 0800 1111, free. childline.org.uk
• Shout: Text SHOUT to 85258, free, 24/7. giveusashout.org
• Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM): 0800 58 58 58. thecalmzone.net
• IASP (international): iasp.info/wspd