Suicide remains the biggest killer of young people in the UK, and rates continue to rise across all age groups. Yet between 2012 and 2022, 73% of people who died by suicide were not in contact with mental health services. One of the most powerful reasons people don’t seek help is stigma – the fear, shame, and silence that stops individuals from speaking openly about suicidal thoughts.
A new UK Parliament petition calls for a multi‑year national public health campaign to reduce the stigma of suicide. This campaign would use mass media, social media, workplace toolkits, school and university engagement, and collaboration with charities and the media. Over five years, it would include development, piloting, evaluation, and targeted campaigns for high‑risk groups.
The aim is simple but vital:
This kind of campaign has worked before. Public health campaigns on HIV/AIDS, drink‑driving, smoking, and COVID‑19 changed behaviour, reduced harm, and saved thousands of lives. Yet the UK has never run a national campaign to reduce suicide stigma – despite clear commitments in the Suicide Prevention Strategy.
Every signature strengthens the case for government action. If the petition reaches 10,000 signatures, the government must respond. At 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in Parliament.
This is a moment for collective action – a chance to help create a country where it is safe to talk about suicidal feelings, safe to ask someone if they’re struggling, and safe to seek help.
If you or someone you know is struggling, the Hub of Hope provides a national database of local and national support services: https://hubofhope.co.uk
It’s free, confidential, and available 24/7.
You can read and sign the petition here
Appreciation goes to Philip Pirie for creating and sharing this petition.
Please consider sharing it within your networks. Together, we can help build a future where silence no longer costs lives.