Creating ‘Hope through Action’ is the theme for World Suicide Prevention Day with the message from the Samaritans reminding people there is an alternative to suicide.

Sunday, September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day and statistics for England reveal 5,219 suicides were registered in 2021 - an increase of 307 in 2020. With each loss of life, many people are affected. 

A spokesperson for Salisbury Samaritans said: “As a volunteer at the Salisbury branch of Samaritans, I gladly give my time for free, however, many suicide prevention initiatives run by a whole variety of organisations, including local councils, are completely reliant on a specific pot of funding that is set to stop in March 2024.  

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“At Samaritans, we want to see suicide rates driven down to the lowest levels on record. I can’t think of a better way of marking this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day than with a government commitment to renew this local funding by investing as little as £1.40 per person - the price of a loaf of bread – to save lives.”

The Samaritans would like to see more action from the Government when it comes to funding prevention both across the country and in Salisbury.

Salisbury MP John Glen said: “No-one from The Samaritans has contacted me about funding but I am a huge supporter of the organisation, and I would be keen to do all I can to ensure they can continue their vital work.

“I have therefore reached out to them and invited them to meet me and discuss their concerns.”

For more information, go to Samaritans.org