This #TimeToTalkDay we’re highlighting why it's important to think about the words and language we use when talking about suicide.

Time to Talk Day is the nation’s biggest mental health conversation. It’s a day for friends, families, communities and workplaces to come together to talk, listen and change lives. You can find out more about Time To Talk Day here.

As part of our Mental Health Local Improvement Programme we recently produced a new video which provides some helpful alternatives to some commonly used words and phrases that stigmatise against suicide.

HIEM Senior Improvement Lead, Hannah Jackson-Cox said: “The resource has been co-produced by the Preventing Suicide and Self-harm Community of Practice made up of clinicians, staff and Lived Experience Contributors. It forms part of a programme of work between Health Innovation East Midlands and the East Midlands Alliance for Mental Health, Learning Disabilities and Autism.

“We hope the video, and the supporting pdf, will help teams who may have less experience of this topic, to be more confident in starting a conversation about suicide. Raising awareness of this topic is vital in preventing suicide and self-harm.”

Andy Willis, Lived Experience Contributor and member of the Preventing Suicide and Self-Harm CoP said: “For those struggling with suicidal thoughts or have been bereaved by suicide, words really matter and should never be stigmatising or invalidating.

“Compassionate words make positive differences, as part of a supportive approach that shows care and fosters realistic hope that things can change for the better and a future is possible.” 

Watch the video

Download the pdf

To find out more about the programme, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.