Join UOK and partners for a free online webinar exploring how the conversation around suicide has changed — and what still needs to happen to make prevention more inclusive, compassionate and effective.
This World Suicide Prevention Day, UOK is hosting a free online webinar asking an important question: has the narrative around suicide truly changed?
In recent years, there has been greater recognition of the social factors that can affect mental health and suicide risk. Conversations have become more open, and the importance of prevention and lived experience is increasingly understood. Yet many people still face barriers within systems that are not designed around their lives or needs.
Chaired by Lourdes, the webinar will bring together lived-experience perspectives and contributions from Grassroots Suicide Prevention and Rethink Mental Illness. The panel discussion will also include experts from Brighton Women’s Centre.
Together, we will explore:
- how lived experience can shape suicide prevention
- findings about support after suicide bereavement
- the role of safety planning and the challenges involved in changing the narrative
- different perspectives from an expert panel.
The conversation has evolved, but there is more to do. This session is an opportunity to reflect on what has changed, learn from different experiences and consider what needs to happen next.
Event details
Date: Thursday 10 September 2026
Time: 12.30pm–2pm
Location: Online
Cost: Free
Agenda
12.30pm–12.35pm: Welcome and introduction
Lourdes, Chair
12.35pm–12.55pm: Beyond Consultation: How lived experience shapes suicide prevention
Emily, Expert by Experience, and Drew, Grassroots Suicide Prevention
12.55pm–1.10pm: Report Findings: Support after suicide bereavement
Sanya, Rethink Mental Illness
1.10pm–1.20pm: Safety planning and the challenge with changing the narrative
Lourdes
1.20pm–1.25pm: Break
1.25pm–1.50pm: Panel discussion
Featuring experts including Brighton Women’s Centre
1.50pm–2pm: Closing thoughts and questions
Register for the webinar on Eventbrite
The webinar will discuss suicide and suicidal feelings. We aim to approach these subjects with sensitivity and respect. Please look after yourself during the session and take a break or leave at any time if you need to.
If you need support
If your life, or someone else’s life, is in immediate danger, call 999 or go to A&E.
For urgent mental health support, call NHS 111 and select the mental health option. You can also call Samaritans free on 116 123, at any time of the day or night.
