South London suicide prevention conference to address bereavement support

July 24, 2026

South London News NHS and Wellbeing Desk Edited By Jimmy Nsubuga

South London suicide prevention conference addresses bereavement support needs.

World Suicide Prevention Day Conference 2026

On Wednesday 10 September, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust will host its 8th annual conference and service of remembrance for World Suicide Prevention Day. The event aims to reduce stigma and raise awareness surrounding suicide. It is organised by partners including South East London Mind and Mind in Bexley.

The conference will highlight crucial work in suicide prevention. It will also feature contributions from individuals with lived experience of losing a loved one to suicide. Chaplains from the Trust will lead a non-denominational service of remembrance.

This event will be conducted online and is accessible to anyone interested in attending. Registration is available through Eventbrite.

Suicide Bereavement Service Focus

The Suicide Bereavement Service operates in alignment with the NHS Long Term Plan and England's Suicide Prevention Strategy. Its objective is to ensure timely, effective, and compassionate support for all individuals bereaved by suicide. Evidence indicates that those bereaved by suicide face a higher risk of dying by suicide themselves.

This service focuses on "postvention," aiming to provide preventative measures against future crises for those at increased risk. It serves as a community resource offering open access to people of all ages bereaved by suicide across Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich, Lambeth, Lewisham, and Southwark. In its initial five years, the service has supported over 700 individuals.

According to data from the Office for National Statistics, 6,190 suicides were registered across England and Wales in 2024 (a rate of 11.4 per 100,000 people). Local support services, such as those provided by the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, remain critical in delivering urgent mental health interventions and protecting vulnerable populations across the capital.

If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health or feeling overwhelmed, help is available. You can contact the Samaritans 24/7 for free, confidential support on 116 123 or by emailing jo@samaritans.org. In a life-threatening emergency, always dial 999 or visit your nearest A&E department.

OFFICIAL SOURCE VERIFICATION:

This report is based on official clinical data from South London and Maudsley NHS Trust.

Document: World Suicide Prevention Day Conference 2026: What to expect, how to attend and more | Our blog

Source Link: https://slam.nhs.uk/blog/world-suicide-prevention-day-conference-2026-what-to-expect-how-to-attend-and-more-5959

Author

South London News NHS and Wellbeing Desk Edited By Jimmy Nsubuga

From the corridors of St Thomas' to pioneering local clinics, the South London News NHS & Wellbeing Desk offers comprehensive coverage of our healthcare system. Our editorial staff provide clinical updates, patient success stories, and service analysis, ensuring our readers stay connected to the medical milestones happening in their community.

Every report is produced under the rigorous oversight of a leadership team with decades of experience at Yahoo UK, Metro, and the Daily Mail. By bridging the gap between clinical data and the patient experience, our desk upholds the highest standards of journalistic integrity to provide an accurate, authoritative perspective on the health of our city.