Isle of Man marks World Suicide Prevention Day

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day and a number of organisations are coming together to raise awareness of the support available across the Island and remember those whose have died by suicide. (10 September)

Throughout the day, and again on Saturday 13 September teams will gather outside Marks & Spencer on Strand Street in Douglas, to share information and speak with passers-by.

We've been speaking to the Samaritans, which says, this year, it wants to make suicide prevention a priority for everyone and let people know that suicide is not inevitable -  you can interrupt someone’s suicidal thoughts and save a life.

Deana Douglas, co-director of the Isle of Man branch, has been telling Amy Griffiths more:

On Saturday, 68 pairs of shoes will be on display on Strand Street - each pair representing a person on the Isle of Man who has died by suicide between 2020 and 2024, as officially recorded by the coroner.

However, it can take a long time for inquests to be concluded so the most current figure isn't currently known.

Dr Ross Keat is from Public Health Isle of Man.

He's been speaking to Lewis Foster about those figures:

Evidence from further afield shows that, in the aftermath of a suicide in a tight-knit community, there is increased risk of those close to the individual also causing harm to themselves.

One initiative recently commissioned by Public Health IoM sees a team of 'key stakeholders' come together and hold a meeting with bereaved relatives and loved ones within 48-hours of someone taking their own life and providing immediate assistance. 

"Walk in Their Shoes"

Tonight, Bereaved Survivors of Suicide Isle of Man will host a march through Douglas in which people are welcome to join.

• Start: 7.45pm at the Bee Gees Statue, Douglas Promenade
• Finish: Paramount City Café, where participants will be welcomed with a hot drink
• Return travel: A bus will be available to take people back to the Sea Terminal

If you or someone you love has been affected by anything mentioned in this article, then help is available HERE.