Communities across Essex are coming together next week to mark World Suicide Prevention Day, as figures show nearly three in four people who die by suspected suicide in the county are men.
Landmarks and buildings will once again be illuminated green to remember every life lost to suicide. People are also being encouraged to complete a free, short, online suicide awareness training session to help them recognise the warning signs that someone may be struggling.
The annual initiative forms part of the Let’s Talk About Suicide Essex campaign, led by NHS Essex and delivered in partnership with Thurrock and Brentwood Mind and organisations across the county. It aims to raise awareness of suicide prevention, reduce stigma and encourage more people to have potentially life-saving conversations.
Lighting landmarks green is both an act of remembrance for those who have died by suicide and a message of hope to anyone who may be struggling – reminding them that they are not alone, support is available, and suicide is preventable.
Every life lost to suicide is one too many. Behind every statistic is a person, a family, friends and a community whose lives are changed forever.
Dr Matthew Sweeting, Executive Medical Director at NHS Essex
We all have a role to play in preventing suicide. You don’t need to be a healthcare professional to help someone who may be struggling. By taking just 20 minutes to complete the free training, you can learn how to spot the warning signs, start a conversation and signpost someone to support. That one conversation could help save a life.
Since the campaign launched, more than 5,121 people across Essex have completed the free training, helping to create more suicide-aware communities across the county. This World Suicide Prevention Day, we’re encouraging even more people to take part because the more people who know what to look for and how to respond, the more lives we have the potential to save.
The free 20-minute online suicide awareness training is available on the Let’s Talk About Suicide Essex website. It will help people recognise the warning signs that someone may be struggling, give them the confidence to start a conversation and show them how to signpost someone to appropriate support.
Latest figures show that 145 people died by suspected suicide across Greater Essex in 2025. Nearly 3 in 4 (74%) suspected suicides in Greater Essex are male, mirroring the national average across England. Most of these suspected suicides happen in the 25 to 64 age group.
As landmarks across Essex shine green this World Suicide Prevention Day, we remember every person who has lost their life to suicide. We also stand alongside the families, friends and communities who continue to feel that loss every day.
Lynne Morgan, Chief Executive Officer at Thurrock and Brentwood Mind
Grief following suicide can be devastating, but hope remains. The greatest tribute we can pay to those we have lost is to keep talking, keep supporting one another and continue working together to prevent future suicides. No one should feel they have to face suicidal thoughts or the loss of a loved one alone, and we want everyone across Essex to know that support is available.
The free online training is available to anyone aged 16 and over and can be completed at a time that suits you. It teaches three simple steps – See, Say, Signpost – helping people recognise when someone may be at risk, start a supportive conversation and guide them towards appropriate help.
To complete the free training and find out more about suicide prevention in Essex, visit the Let’s Talk About Suicide Essex website.