08 September 2026
3 simple steps that could help save a life.
Prior to World Suicide Prevention Day, 10 September, Health and Care Jersey, HCJ, is encouraging Islanders to Check. Ask. Talk.
- check in with people around you
- ask if they're okay when you are worried about them
- talk openly about mental health and suicide.
Whilst the rate of suicide is no higher in Jersey compared to the UK, we need to talk more to prevent it.
Talking about suicide does not put the idea into someone's head, and having a conversation about suicidal thoughts can sometimes be the best way of preventing it happening. Open conversations can help people to feel supported and encourage them to seek help.
Andy Weir, Managing Director, Health and Care Jersey, said: “Suicide prevention is everyone's business. This World Suicide Prevention Day, we want Islanders to remember three simple words: Check. Ask. Talk.
"Suicide is a complex issue and there are still lots of misconceptions about it. Support is available from a wide range of health, community and voluntary organisations across Jersey. Not everyone who takes their own life has felt able to seek support or been in contact with mental health services. Encouraging people to take that first step, or sometimes seeking help on their behalf, can be key to this.
"If you're worried about someone, start a conversation. Listening, showing you care and helping someone access support can make a real difference.”
Tarnia Snepp, Branch Director for Jersey Samaritans, is encouraging everyone across Jersey to check in on the people around them and start conversations that could save lives.
"Around 75% of people who die by suicide are men, highlighting the importance of reaching out and supporting those who may be struggling. One of the biggest myths about suicide is that talking about it will put the idea into someone's head. In reality, asking someone how they are feeling can provide a huge sense of relief and give them the space to speak openly.
“At Samaritans, we talk about the importance of interrupting suicidal thoughts through moments of human connection. An interruption can be a conversation, phone call, text message, or any simple act of reaching out. People with lived experience have told us that these connections can help break through feelings of isolation and despair.
“As one member of Samaritans' lived experience panel said: 'I have always welcomed the interruption. I never like these thoughts and am grateful that something can pull me out of it.'
“You do not need to have all the answers. Simply checking in, asking, talking openly and listening without judgement can make a real difference.
“Anyone struggling can contact Samaritans free on 116 123, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our trained volunteers provide a confidential space to talk, listening without judgement or pressure, while helping people explore their feelings, thoughts and options."
Getting Help
If you are worried about yourself or someone else, support is available.
Contact your GP or one of many local support organisations.
If you need urgent help or are in crisis, you can also contact the Mental Health Crisis Team on +44 (0) 1534 445290, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
More information:
gov.je/GetUrgentHelp.
gov.je