Havering Marks World Suicide Prevention Day With Stories Of Hope Event

15th September 202615th September 2026 The Havering Daily 0 Comments Havering, Havering Council, Lumiere Cinema, Romford min read

Havering residents with lived experience of suicide have shared their stories as part of a World Suicide Prevention Day event aimed at reducing stigma and encouraging people to seek support.

The Stories of Hope event took place in Romford on Thursday 10 September and included screenings of a new short film created with Havering Adult College.

The film features local people speaking about their experiences and forms part of Havering Council’s wider suicide prevention work.

Samantha Westrop, Assistant Director of Public Health, said: “Stigma reduction is a key tool in our public health suicide prevention strategy and talking about suicide saves lives.
“Our event amplifies the voices of Havering residents with lived experience of suicide to encourage those who need support to access it.”

The project follows the launch of Havering Council’s five-year suicide prevention strategy for 2025 to 2030, which focuses on identifying people at greater risk, reducing stigma and improving support for people affected or bereaved by suicide.

Council figures previously shared with The Havering Daily show that Havering recorded an average of 19 deaths by suicide each year over the decade examined, equivalent to around one death every three weeks.

The Stories of Hope film was first announced earlier this month, with free public screenings arranged at Lumiere Cinema in the Mercury Mall for World Suicide Prevention Day.

Help is available

If you or someone you know is struggling, Samaritans can be contacted free at any time on 116 123. You can also text SHOUT to 85258 for free, confidential support. If there is an immediate danger to life, call 999 or go to A&E.

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