Statistics reported by the World Health Organisation (WHO) show that suicide is the fourth leading cause of death amongst 15-to-29-year-olds. Females aged 24 years and under have seen the most significant increase in suicides since 1981. At The Gifted we focus on suicide prevention through programmes, workshops and assemblies.
World Suicide Prevention Day
On the 10th of September, we will be supporting World Suicide Prevention Day. This day helps to raise awareness of how we can reduce suicide and asks policymakers to make suicide prevention a priority.
Suicide prevention is a global priority, with over 700,000 people taking their lives in 2019. Reducing suicide has become an indicator in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. WHO has identified four evidence-based interventions that have effectively reduced the likeliness of someone taking their own life.
Evidence-based interventions
Suicide knows no boundaries. It affects high-income countries but is more evident in low-income countries, where over 77% of global suicides occurred in 2019. For every suicide, statistics show that there are likely to be around 20 suicide attempts. This suggests that early intervention could be life-saving.
WHO has developed the LIVE LIFE plan. This is aimed at reducing the rates of suicide so that it is no longer a leading cause of death. The plan seeks to encourage people considering or attempting suicide to seek help. One recognised intervention is to ‘foster life skills of young people.’
The importance of life skills for young people
Fostering the life skills of young people means “enhancing young people’s problem-solving and coping skills” and, according to WHO’s research, is an effective intervention within school-based programmes.
We come across many young people who present with multiple vulnerabilities. We work in socially deprived areas where child poverty is at its highest. One in four children are living in poverty. A report by The Samaritans stated that “financial instability and poverty can increase suicide risk.”
“Life skills are abilities for adaptive and positive behaviour that enable humans to deal effectively with the demands and challenges of life.” (Wikipedia). “NICEF, UNESCO and WHO list the ten core life skill strategies and techniques as problem-solving, critical thinking, effective communication skills, decision-making, creative thinking, interpersonal relationship skills, self-awareness building skills, empathy, and coping with stress and emotions.” www.unodc.org
The Gifted’s programmes focus on most of these skills, equipping young people with the tools they need to succeed.
Preventing suicide with school-based programmes
Suicidal thoughts don’t indicate that someone has a mental illness. However, there are links between mental ill health and suicidal thoughts. Improving mental health and providing appropriate support for children and young people is essential. Half of all mental health conditions start by the age of 14.
The Gifted are keen to partner with schools by delivering The Butterfly Project, which focuses on equipping young people with life skills. WHO recognises that effective interventions can be delivered through school-based programmes.
Our Butterfly Project is a six-week programme developed to build confidence and raise aspirations in 11-18-year-olds. Most importantly, the project gives participants the tools to handle their emotions better and cope with challenging situations. The sessions help young people become more resilient and teach them to set boundaries.
In a study conducted by BMC Psychiatry, “after controlling for depression, reasons for living and hope had significant main effects on suicidal ideation.” Another critical aspect of our Butterfly programme is that it gives young people hope by raising their aspirations and helping them set realistic goals.
If you work with young people and would like our support in addressing issues such as suicide and self-harm amongst your students, please get in touch.
