3 September 2025

Next week marks Suicide Prevention Awareness Week, with World Suicide Prevention Day taking place on Wednesday 10 September.

This year’s theme is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”. The aim is to move from the silence and stigma surrounding suicide towards openness, understanding and support through having open and honest conversations.

There are several events taking place across the Scottish Borders during Suicide Prevention Awareness Week. Whether you would like to attend one of these events or not, this Suicide Prevention Awareness Week we encourage everyone - individuals, communities and organisations, to start conversations about mental health and suicide. Talking openly helps break down barriers, raise awareness and show support to those in need.

Dr Sohail Bhatti, Director of Public Health at NHS Borders, said: “Suicide is preventable, and talking openly about it is one of the most powerful tools we have. Suicide Prevention Awareness Week is an opportunity for us all to come together, to listen, to support and to share hope. By starting conversations, we can help reduce stigma and ensure that those who are struggling know they are not alone and that support is available.”

If you are feeling suicidal or are worried about someone else, please know that help is available:

  • Talk to your GP for support
  • Call Samaritans – 116 123 (open 24/7)
  • Call Breathing Space – 0800 83 85 87 (24 hours weekends, 6pm–2am weekdays)
  • NHS 24 Mental Health Hub – Call 111
  • Contact Papyrus HOPELINE (young people) – 0800 068 4141
  • If someone is in immediate danger, call 999
  • Be cautious of seeking help from AI chatbots – they have not been validated as medical devices

 Details of next week’s events can be found below:

 Sunday 7 September – “New Dawn New Hope” Gatherings

Two special sunrise gatherings will be held simultaneously at Walkerburn Riverside and Coldingham Beach starting at 6am. Organised in partnership with the After A Suicide Working Group, the events are open to anyone touched by suicide. Attendees will come together for poetry, music, and remembrance before releasing flowers into the river or sea as the sun rises. Refreshments will be provided afterwards with space to reflect and connect.

Registration is free via Eventbrite: Register for Walkerburn Riverside or Coldingham Beach.

Tuesday 9 & Wednesday 10 September - Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)

A two-day interactive workshop at Selkirk Baptist Church (9am–5pm both days) teaching participants to recognise when someone may be experiencing suicidal thoughts and how to work with them to create a plan that supports immediate safety. Those interested can email health.improvement@borders.scot.nhs.uk to join the distribution list to hear about future courses.

Wednesday 10 September – Support After A Suicide Film Screening

A free screening of locally produced short films, created with Alchemy Film & Arts and the After A Suicide Working Group, will take place at the Eastgate Theatre, Peebles (3.30pm – 5.30pm). The films share real experiences of bereavement by suicide and aim to increase awareness and understanding. Support from Samaritans and Breathing Space will be available throughout, with a quiet area provided for reflection. The Eastgate café will remain open for conversations after the screening.

Thursday 11 September – Mental Health Improvement & Suicide Prevention Networking Event

From 1pm - 4pm at Selkirk Baptist Church, this event is open to all who have completed the Creating Hope Awards. It will feature presentations from award holders, updates on the Creating Hope Action Plan, roundtable discussions and networking opportunities. Information stalls will also be available.

Friday 12 September – Border Union Ram Sales

The Wellbeing Service and Health Improvement Team will be at Springwood Park, Kelso throughout the day, offering mental health and wellbeing information, highlighting suicide prevention resources and having supportive conversations with attendees.