Landmarks and buildings across Essex will once again be illuminated in green this September to mark World Suicide Prevention Day, with communities across the county coming together for the fifth consecutive year to remember every life lost to suicide in Essex.

The annual initiative comes as the latest figures show that 145 people died by suspected suicide across Greater Essex in 2025. Since April 2021 to December 2025 four in every five suspected suicides are men, reflecting the national picture and highlighting the importance of encouraging people, particularly men, to talk openly about their mental health, seek support when they need it and look out for those around them.

The annual initiative forms part of the Let’s Talk About Suicide Essex campaign, led by NHS Essex and delivered in partnership with Basildon and Brentwood Mind and organisations across the county. It aims to raise awareness of suicide prevention, reduce stigma and encourage more people to have potentially life-saving conversations.

Lighting landmarks green is both an act of remembrance for those who have died by suicide and a message of hope to anyone who may be struggling – reminding them that they are not alone, support is available, and suicide is preventable.

As part of this year’s campaign, people across Essex are being encouraged to complete the free 20-minute online suicide awareness training through the Let’s Talk About Suicide Essex website. The training helps people recognise the warning signs that someone may be struggling, gives them the confidence to start a conversation and shows them how to signpost someone to appropriate support.

Dr Matthew Sweeting, Executive Medical Director at NHS Essex, said:

“Every life lost to suicide is one too many. Behind every statistic is a person, a family, friends and a community whose lives are changed forever.

We all have a role to play in preventing suicide. You don’t need to be a healthcare professional to help someone who may be struggling. By taking just 20 minutes to complete the free Let’s Talk About Suicide Essex training, you can learn how to spot the warning signs, start a conversation and signpost someone to support. That one conversation could help save a life.

Since the campaign launched, more than 5000 people across Essex have completed the free training, helping to create more suicide-aware communities across the county. This World Suicide Prevention Day, we’re encouraging even more people to take part because the more people who know what to look for and how to respond, the more lives we have the potential to save.”

Lynne Morgan, CEO, Thurrock and Brentwood Mind said:

“As landmarks across Essex shine green this World Suicide Prevention Day, we remember every person who has lost their life to suicide. We also stand alongside the families, friends and communities who continue to feel that loss every day.

Grief following suicide can be devastating, but hope remains. The greatest tribute we can pay to those we have lost is to keep talking, keep supporting one another and continue working together to prevent future suicides. No one should feel they have to face suicidal thoughts or the loss of a loved one alone, and we want everyone across Essex to know that support is available.”

The free online training is available to anyone aged 16 and over and can be completed at a time that suits you. It teaches three simple steps – See, Say, Signpost – helping people recognise when someone may be at risk, start a supportive conversation and guide them towards appropriate help.

To complete the free training and find out more about suicide prevention in Essex, visit the Let’s Talk About Suicide Essex website.