The problem and our challenge
Globally, more people die by su***de every year than from cancer, heart disease, and diabetes combined. 2016 World Health Organisation (WHO) data counted 800,000 su***de deaths (one every 40 seconds) and with su***de rates rising in many countries, including the UK, over the past 4 years, total global su***de deaths will now be more than 1 million per year. There are many more su***de attempts (20 times the number of deaths typically) and many family members, friends, colleagues, neighbours, etc traumatised by each death, especially as it often comes as shock news. The reasons people choose to end their lives are often complex and varied. There is often no-one single contributing factor to take this most drastic of actions. What we do know is that many who make su***de attempts do so without letting anyone close to them know they’re considering taking their own life. We must all be aware of the signs, in ourselves and others, and better understand how to take action to save lives – through early identification, early intervention, su***de prevention initiatives, ‘postvention’ support for those experiencing loss, and positive promotion of optimal mental health. Our mission
Most deaths by su***de are preventable, so we must do everything we can to help people who don’t want to die but are feeling they can’t bear the pain of living in their current circumstances. Our mission, in collaboration with others, is to explore and help implement ideas to prevent the practical act of su***de and improve the support available for people who have lost hope and achieve a state where deaths by su***de are rare events. Our Vision
We can envisage an achievable desired state where deaths by su***de are rare events. It’s a huge challenge and a big goal but achievable through prioritised, focused, practical actions:
practical actions to make our communities and workplaces mentally healthy and psychologically safe places;
practical actions to use human intelligence and digital technology for earlier identification and intervention;
practical actions for su***de prevention such as ‘designing out su***de’ in our built environment, education systems, health systems, and support systems for those known to be at risk or in danger (including restricting access to the means of su***de – known to be the most effective practical action to save lives);
practical actions to encourage every hospital, university, council, employer, industry association, professional society, etc to make practical plans for su***de prevention within their spheres of influence. The act of su***de is a practical act – it needs practical actions to prevent it. For urgent assistance visit our Resources page https://thejordanlegacy.com/resources/
