Twenty years ago I suffered from depression.  Whilst I was not suicidal, it was an insight into the pain felt by those who are.  I was blessed though, I had people around me to support me and I live in a country where services are available, and I got the help I needed.

Today I am fortunate to work with people who are dedicated to preventing suicide, from effecting policy, doing vital research, providing front line crisis services, working in the community and with those bereaved by suicide or with lived experience who are helping to inform prevention activities so others do not have to experience what they have gone through.

To be effective suicide prevention efforts needs everyone to be involved: from government policy makers and professionals to gatekeepers - us as members of society, of a community.  It only takes a minute to reach out to someone who might be in trouble; this small action can help put them on the road to recovery.  Please take a minute to read this one page document about how you can help. https://www.iasp.info/wspd/pdf/2018/2018_wspd_take_a_minute.pdf

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day and the International Association for Suicide Prevention runs a global event called Cycle Around the Globe to encourage people to raise awareness and raise funds for a suicide prevention charity: local, national or international.  All mileage/kilometres cycled are submitted to IASP and last year our global community cycled 9 times around the globe.

This year, I am cycling in memory of my friend and colleague David who, unlike me, lived in a country where suicide is still a crime, where services are scarce and where the stigma around suicide is such that many do not dare to speak about it, yet alone seek help.  David struggled for years, but he was not afraid to speak out; to the community, to the policy makers, to anyone who would listen.  When we sadly lost him to suicide, in testament to his work, the community, despite the criminality and the stigma, embraced his family and continue his work. They continue to this day - but he is missed.

I am raising funds for IASP as these will go to raise awareness of suicide prevention and to fund community projects in countries such as David's.

So for the facts and figures - why is suicide prevention important?  

• Every year 800,000 people die by suicide globally, thats one every 40 seconds.  
• For every suicide it is estimated that 25 people make an attempt and many more are have serious suicidal thoughts. 
• For every suicide 135 people are affected by the loss and the grief. This means more than 108 million people are impacted by suicide every year.
  

I would be grateful if you would support me and I am now off to get stabilisers for my bike!!!

Love

Wendy