This World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September), SOS Silence of Suicide is marking a decade of standing alongside people in their darkest moments by giving something powerful back to the nation. 

The course, OPEN Conversations, has one simple mission: It’s a free empowering resource designed to help anyone, anywhere, have the courage to step into difficult conversations about personal struggles, emotional wellbeing, or thoughts of suicide – conversations that could help save a life. 

The need has never been greater. In 2023, 5,579 people died by suicide in the UK (ONS). That’s an average of 15 families every day left devastated by the loss of a loved one – a daughter, a dad, a best friend, a colleague. Every one of those lives mattered. Every death is a reminder that silence costs lives. 

For ten years, SOS Silence of Suicide has been fighting to break that silence. Now, instead of celebrating its anniversary with fanfare, the charity is making a national call to action, inviting the public, workplaces, schools, and community groups to take up this free training as a collective act of hope. 

“Too many people stay silent because they’re scared of saying the wrong thing. But saying nothing can cost a life,” said Julie Tobin, Trustee of SOS Silence of Suicide. 

“This course gives people the confidence to lean in and say, ‘I’ve noticed you’re struggling… and I care.’ If OPEN Conversations helps even one person to step in and save a life, then our ten years of work will have truly counted.” 

The course has already been embraced by the charity’s lead supporters – Wendy Tuner-Webster, Gary Webster and James Harknett – who have all completed the training. 

Speaking about her experience, Wendy Turner-Webster said: 
“OPEN Conversations is something everyone should take. It’s simple, powerful, enlightening and gives you the courage to reach out when someone might need you the most. I truly believe this course has the potential to help save lives, and I’m proud to stand alongside SOS in sharing it with the nation.” 

OPEN Conversations will be available in two formats: 

• A self-paced online course for individuals. 

• A trainer-led version for groups, workplaces, and schools. 

The course goes live on 10 September 2025 at: 
https://sossilenceofsuicide.org/courses/free-mental-health-training/ 

SOS Silence of Suicide hopes that this gift to the nation will spark thousands of conversations across the UK – conversations that could mean the difference between life and death. 

Issued: Wednesday 3 September 2025