As a front-line mental health service, we have rapidly adapted our response beyond the extremities of mental turmoil to pre-empt the mainstream pressures of daily life, which are increasingly bearing down on everyone’s mental welfare.

Those pressures are only too obvious…cost of living…global warming…armed conflict…the collapse of national health/education/ and legal aid provision for starters.

Our confidential telephone service, operated by enhanced DBS checked employees and voluntary workers, has expanded massively in 2024 to accommodate the 1000s of calls per month. We are hugely indebted to our frontline staff, dotted all over the U.K. who cover these difficult calls. The training, oversight, coordination and analysis behind all this is an enormous structural back up by many others who deserve our recognition and gratitude.

We have also started to build our own library of accredited training courses, which are already being delivered to businesses.  2025 will see the availability of courses specifically aimed at members of the public, covering relevant subjects.

In contrast to remote telephone contact, we have for the first time, inaugurated in 2024, 2 mobile community-based hubs, another unique service. The annual grant from the Valour Foundation has enabled us to purchase two vehicles, specifically redesigned to act as safe places for confidential conversation and support. They are also able to respond to natural tragedies such as floods, where emotional support is often overlooked.  Over the past couple of weeks, they have been deployed to help with the search for a missing elderly local resident. They were featured on the BBC One Show and undoubtedly contributed to our success in two charity award competitions – shortlisted in one and winning in the other.

Post Covid, it has now been possible this year to resurrect our original model of helping those in distress and feeling burdened by the taboo surrounding suicide. Simply put, it involves facilitating

discussion between those who have been bereaved, those who have attempted or who are contemplating suicide. The ability to speak unburdens, liberates, and empowers. No pundits, no experts, no need, all that comes from the heartfelt accounts of those attending the ‘gathering ‘.

May the 1st saw another 1st….an annual Remembrance Day devoted to those bereaved by suicide An evening event at Warwick Castle delivered the perfect environment for people to talk about their loved ones, sharing poetic tributes and pictures.

There will be another such event on May 1st in 2025, followed later in the year by SOS’s 10^th birthday celebration with a few trips down memory lane.

We end on yet a further remarkable achievement, a Christmas song of hope and resilience – a choral piece generated by SOS, is being broadcast on television to raise awareness and support and is also on our YouTube channel.

Every single aspect of these various activities reflects a singular collective spirit born from a commitment to the needs of others.

A special mention to all of those who use our services.  We remain open over the holiday period, here to support you all.

Finally, our deepest gratitude goes to all of those who have fundraised, nominated us as their charity partner or donated to our charity.  It is your generosity that helps us to keep helping others.

Wishing everyone peace, happiness and kindness as we approach the end of 2024.

The Trustees of SOS Silence of Suicide