“Let’s talk about suicide”: First look at new film to help prevent suicide

The group, featuring people who have been suicidal or bereaved by suicide, are creating a film where they speak about their experiences and highlight positive practice in suicide prevention to aid learning and training for local schools, the police and those who work in health and social care.

‘Hold the Hope’ will premiere later this year, but to mark World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September) the group are releasing some behind-the-scenes footage:

Click here to watch a short video featuring some of the volunteers talking about why it was important for them to take part

Click here to watch a short video featuring producers Matt and Tina explaining more about the film 

The film has been commissioned by NHS South West London’s suicide prevention programme and developed by South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust, to bring the voices of those with lived experience into suicide prevention awareness and training, and help prevent deaths by suicide.

Justine Trippier, Consultant Nurse and Joint Suicide Prevention Lead at South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust, said: “There has never been a more important time to talk about suicide. Many of us suffer from suicidal thoughts – 1 in 5 in fact, but those thoughts can be interrupted and simple actions like talking in an open, frank and compassionate manner can make a difference when someone is feeling suicidal.

“Hope the Hope is about learning how to support others who may be in crisis and encouraging people to talk openly about suicide without judgement, shame or discrimination. I am so grateful to our lived experience volunteers for their honesty and bravery and helping us to encourage hope to help others.”

Carmel Bonse, Suicide Prevention Programme Manager at NHS South West London Integrated Care Board said: “In South West London we have a zero suicide ambition that carries the belief that deaths by suicide are preventable. Suicide is not inevitable and through our South West London Suicide prevention programme we are committed to supporting our communities to raise awareness and feel more confident talking about suicide.

“Our volunteers have been brave and generous enough to share their lived experiences – we hope that those who watch the film feel empowered to have conversations about suicide and support those who might be struggling.”