Do you know what to say if you think someone is suicidal? We have created a language guide to help show the importance of non-stigmatising, compassionate language.
The West Yorkshire Suicide Prevention Programme has published a guide called ‘Creating hope through language’ which stresses how powerful language can sometimes be when it comes to suicide.
Jess Parker, programme manager, said: "This guide offers some suggested phrases which aim to minimise risk and help break stigma around suicide.
"Using preferred language such as this can help create an environment where people feel able to talk more openly. But, as the guide also explains, it is important just to have conversations, to ask about suicide, and not worry that you will say the wrong thing. It is always better to say something rather than nothing at all."
The guide is available on our website here and has been made possible thanks to the work of Richard Porter (public health, Bradford) and Chloe Bracewell (public health registrar, Wakefield).
There is also an accessible version of the guide.
Please use and share far and wide.