March 2024

Elliot Colburn, the Conservative MP for Carshalton and Wallington in the United Kingdom’s Parliament, used the high profile opportunity of Prime Minister’s Question Time to share his experience of attempting suicide, talk about his recovery and to share the message “help is out there”. 

Mr Colburn explained how he no longer recognises that person in distress today, who thought there was no other way out than seeking to take his own life.  His statement was met with applause from all sides of the House and a positive statement by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak about the importance of suicide prevention.

Writing in the Spectator, Isabel Hardman said “Anyone who has seen the bomb crater left in a family by a suicide wishes there was more discussion, especially among men, and where to turn ….  It is still taboo, even when anxiety, ADHD and other conditions have become quite normalised.” There is a vital role for civil society to play in reducing stigma about suicide and promoting prevention and encourage help seeking.

Follow these links to see Mr Colburn’s statement in the House, and to read coverage by the BBC here and the Guardian.

This story of hope underlines something that LifeLine International Members, in their life saving crisis intervention work, see time and time again – that with support, so very many people who have experienced a suicidal crisis go on to overcome their time of distress and despair and recover their lives.  The critical issue is reaching out for help.  The role of crisis support, and especially telephone lines, is to be that human connection at the time when someone feels isolated and helpless. That single act of contact can change the trajectory of someone’s future.  

All Lifeline International platforms offer access to “findahelpline”– a partner service that  allows anyone to find a helpline in their country in a just few key strokes, including, wherever possible, countries where suicide remains a crime and confidentiality must be assured.