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Posted by Gateway 97.8

UK Suicide Charity spearheads new campaign to save lives this winter

Globally, someone dies from suicide every 40 seconds – resulting in more deaths than all the yearly victims of wars and natural disaster, and twice as many as homicides. In the UK alone, approximately 115 people die by suicide every week. 1 in 15 will attempt suicide at some point in their life and it’s estimated in England and Wales that at least 140,000 people go to hospital each year having attempted suicide.

Suicide is also the leading cause of death for people under 35 years old. Suicide, suicidal thoughts, and self-harming are complex issues that no one should have to deal with alone. There is no shame in seeking help when feeling stressed, depressed, or experiencing a crisis.

And as 1 in 5 Brits will have suicidal thoughts at some point in their life, UK charity Grassroots Suicide Prevention is asking the British public to take 5 minutes to save a life – whether that’s by picking up the phone and asking a friend how they really are, or by donating to an organisation like themselves this Christmas.

Ryan spoke to Rachel Swann, CEO of Grassroots Suicide Prevention.

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