Published on: 8 September 2026
A simple check-in could offer hope to someone who is struggling - and people across Derby and Derbyshire are being encouraged to reach out this World Suicide Prevention Day.
Ahead of the awareness day on 10 September, Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is asking people to start a conversation to help anyone who may be feeling low or even suicidal. The theme for this year's awareness day is 'changing the narrative on suicide' with a call to action: 'start the conversation'.
The World Health Organisation, which leads the global awareness day, describes suicide as a major public health challenge that claims more than 720,000 lives each year. Every death can have far-reaching social, emotional and economic effects on families, friends, workplaces and communities around the world.
“Reaching out could be the first step towards hope and recovery”
Libby Runcie, Deputy Director of Nursing, Quality and Patient Safety at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We all have a role to play in preventing suicide. Sometimes it is the small acts of kindness, checking in on a friend, offering support or showing someone they matter, that can have the greatest impact.
“World Suicide Prevention Day reminds us that hope is found in connection. Through looking out for one another and encouraging people to seek help when they need it, we can help save lives and ensure that nobody feels alone in their darkest moments.
“If you're struggling, or worried about someone else, please remember that support is available. Reaching out could be the first step towards hope and recovery.”
How support from Derbyshire Healthcare has changed lives
The Trust has previously shared stories showing how opening up and accepting support can help people move forward.
Neneh, from Erewash, described how consistent support from her community mental health team and access to the right therapy helped her move away from repeated crisis admissions. She said: “People believed in me and my ability to get through. They saw something in me that I couldn’t see, but now I do.” She is now preparing to volunteer in a role supporting other people who are struggling.
David, an ex-army veteran and peer support worker at the Trust, has also spoken about how a friend reaching out on his behalf helped him access support. After his friend contacted NHS 111 when he was struggling, David was offered a GP appointment and referred to specialist support services. He said the support helped him to better understand and manage his mental health.
Craig, a man in his early 50s who was admitted to the Trust’s Carsington Unit during a serious mental health crisis, has urged other men not to stay silent when they are struggling. With support from his family and ward staff, he began to feel safe and able to talk openly about his experiences. He said: “I felt ashamed, but now I feel supported in an environment that feels safe with lots of staff around to help.”
Help is out there
Everyone experiences ups and downs at some point but poor mental health is not something that should be experienced alone. There are lots of self-help tips and advice on the NHS’s Every Mind Matters website. And there are also lots of ways to reach out in Derby and Derbyshire if you need someone to talk to – including drop-in centres, safe havens open every night of the week, and a 24/7 local helpline – and these are described in more detail below.
Services to support people with a mental health crisis include:
- Derby Safe Haven - call 0330 0083722 or drop in at 309 Burton Road, Derby, DE23 6AG (4:30pm to 12:30am)
- Chesterfield Safe Haven – call 01246 949410 or drop in 188 North Wingfield Road, Grassmoor, Chesterfield, S42 5EJ (4:30pm to 12:30am)
- Drop in services at Buxton, Ripley and Swadlincote – which are available on Friday evenings and at weekends and are run by Derbyshire Mind
- Derbyshire Mental Health Helpline and Support Service – available 24 hours by dialling NHS 111 and choosing “mental health”.
They are also listed on the Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust website: https://www.derbyshirehealthcareft.nhs.uk/getting-help/help-mental-health-crisis.
