Health and wellbeing
Call for Walsall residents to ‘change the narrative on suicide’
Published on
Walsall residents are being encouraged to ‘change the narrative on suicide’ as part of this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September 2025).
This year’s theme focuses on how we talk about and understand suicide. It encourages people to speak openly, show empathy and support those who are struggling. Having these conversations can break down barriers, raise awareness and create a better culture of understanding and support.
Residents can play their part in a number of ways. Reaching out to someone, whether a friend, family member, colleague or neighbour can change the course of their life. Asking directly about suicidal thoughts, offering empathy and encouraging them to seek help can reduce distress.
A safety plan is a practical tool that helps individuals manage their thoughts and turn them into actions. The Samaritans charity provides a free Safety Plan on their website.
Residents can also increase mental health awareness by using social media, attending community events and having everyday conversations to promote understanding and reduce stigma.
“ Changing the narrative on suicide means recognising that every conversation matters. Whether you’re checking in with a loved one, supporting a colleague or advocating for good mental health, your actions can make a difference.
It’s also important to remember that support is available. If you or someone you know is struggling, there are services, resources and community groups across Walsall ready to help. You are not alone. “
Since the launch of the Walsall Multi-Agency Suicide Prevention Strategy 2024–2029 in September 2024, a range of activities have taken place to support mental health across the borough. The Neurodiversity and Wellbeing Conference held in June 2025 at Walsall Football Club brought together professionals and individuals with lived experience to explore ways of creating more inclusive systems for neurodiverse individuals.
Local organisations continue to play a vital role in promoting emotional resilience and mental wellbeing through a variety of programmes and initiatives. Raising awareness remains central to these efforts, with Mental Wellbeing and Suicide Prevention training sessions available to anyone living or working in Walsall, including bespoke training for parents and professionals in education settings.
All these initiatives contribute to the ambition of the strategy: to reduce self-harm and prevent all deaths by suicide in Walsall.
Support available
Anyone who needs urgent support for their mental wellbeing can call 111 or visit NHS 111 online and select the mental health option (option 2). If you would prefer to text this service, contact 07860 025 281.
Face-to-face support out of usual mental health service hours is available at the Walsall Sanctuary Hub: 1 Queen’s Parade, Bloxwich, Walsall, WS3 2EX (Monday – Friday 6 – 11pm; and Saturday and Sunday 12noon – 11pm).
Other support is available in Walsall and beyond:
- Walsall Bereavement Support Service (WBSS) offers counselling to adults and to bereaved children and young people. To find out more visit the WBSS website, call 01922 724841 or email admin@wbss.org.uk.
- Mustard Seed CIC provides community counselling for Walsall residents. Visit their website, call: 01156788915 or email: talkwithme@mustardseedcic.co.uk
- The Let’s Chat bus visits communities across Walsall. It provides support for a wide range of challenges, including financial concerns and debt, employment, housing challenges and fuel crisis. To find out more and see the bus timetable with locations visit Get support for your wellbeing | Walsall Council
- Walsall Talking Therapies supports residents aged 17 and over who are registered with a Walsall GP for help with depression and anxiety symptoms. To make a self-referral, visit the NHS Black Country Healthcare Foundation Trust website.
- You can contact Samaritans on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
Mental wellbeing and suicide prevention training
To find out more about the Walsall Mental Wellbeing and Suicide Prevention Training by Birmingham Mind, visit Eventbrite to book your place: Walsall Mental Health + Suicide Prevention Courses | Eventbrite or email: training@birminghammind.org for any queries.
