SWU Interim Chair Chrissie Beatty writes for Suicide Awareness Week 2026. This year’s theme is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide” with the associated call to action “Start the Conversation.”
As social workers, we are often alongside people at the most difficult moments in their lives—times of loss, crisis, isolation, and uncertainty. During Suicide Awareness Week, it is important to recognise that suicide is not a distant issue; it is something that can be present, sometimes quietly, in many areas of our work and our lives away from work.
Suicide Awareness Week takes place from September 10th – 16th, beginning on World Suicide Prevention Day.
In the UK, over 7,000 people die by suicide each year. Behind these statistics are individuals, families, and communities—and many of those people will have had contact with services like ours. For me, this is also deeply personal.
When I was a teenager, my cousin James died by suicide. Just a couple of weeks before, I had seen him—we laughed, we joked, and nothing seemed out of the ordinary. His death devastated me. I remember feeling an overwhelming sense of guilt, questioning what I had missed. I watched the ripple effect across my family, the way it changed people. Even now, I find myself imagining how desperate he must have felt in those final hours. That stays with me—and it always will.
How Suicide Shows Up in Practice
Suicidal thoughts do not always present in obvious ways. While some people speak openly about wanting to die, others express distress more subtly—“I’m tired of everything” or “people would be better off without me.”
In social work, we see this across adult’s and children’s social care, safeguarding, hospital discharge, and support for carers. Suicide risk is not confined to mental health services—it can emerge wherever people feel overwhelmed, isolated, or without hope.
Having the Conversation
One of the most important things we can do is ask directly about suicide. It can feel uncomfortable, but we know that asking does not increase risk—it can reduce it.
Simple, clear questions matter:
- “Are you thinking about ending your life?”
- “Have you had thoughts about suicide?”
- “Have you made any plans?”
- “What has stopped you from carrying out your plans?”
In my role, I have had many of these conversations. I explore what people are feeling, what has brought them to that point, and what might help them stay safe. What matters is being present—listening without judgement and allowing space for honesty.
Using the Right Language
Language shapes how people experience support. Saying “died by suicide” instead of “committed suicide” helps remove blame and stigma. Talking about someone “experiencing suicidal thoughts” keeps the focus on the person, not the label.
These small changes help create safer spaces—for the people we support and for ourselves.
Recognising Our Limits
One of the hardest realities in this work is this: we cannot control every outcome.
Through my personal experience and my professional role, I have come to understand that if someone is determined to end their life, they may find a way. That is incredibly difficult to accept. But what we can do—what we must do—is everything within our power: ask the questions, listen, stay present, and act to reduce risk.
Recognising our limitations is not about giving up responsibility—it is about understanding the boundaries of it.
Caring for Ourselves
Working with suicide risk carries an emotional weight. Many social workers hold onto a sense of responsibility long after conversations end. Reflective supervision, supportive colleagues, and space to talk openly are essential.
We are part of a wider system of care—we are not carrying this alone.
A Message of Hope
Suicide prevention is not about having all the answers. It is about being willing to ask, to listen, and to stay alongside someone in their darkest moments.
People do find reasons to keep going. Situations change. Hope can return.
We may never fully know the impact of the conversations we have—but we know they matter. And sometimes, simply being there can make all the difference.
Helplines –
HopeLine 24/7 is free and confidential: https://www.papyrus-uk.org/help-me/hopeline-24-7
Call Samaritans anytime day or night from any phone for free: https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan