Introducing Missed Birthdays. Together, we can end youth suicide.
Today is World Suicide Prevention Day and, to mark it, we’ve launched our Missed Birthdays campaign - raising awareness of the devastating reality of youth suicide in the UK.
In the last decade, 6,929 young people in the UK have taken their own lives. Each balloon in our installation represents a young person who took their own life, and a birthday they didn’t get to celebrate.
We all have a role in keeping the young people in our lives safe. Here’s how you can play your part in the campaign:
Share the campaign
Right now, suicide is the most common cause of death for those under 24. We have to act today to help more young people see tomorrow - and we all have a part to play to change these shocking statistics and provide meaningful, practical support for the young people in our lives.
Share the campaign to let more people know that CALM is here for them - whether it’s a young person in crisis or giving others the tools to support them.
Parent. Uncle. Teacher. Coach. We all have a role to play in keeping them safe.
That’s why we’ve created the CALM C.A.R.E. Kit - a free online resource that provides you with everything you need to be there for the young people in your life.
Use it and you’ll have all the info you need to be there for a young person - from introducing the topic of mental health, to keeping them safe in a crisis.
“My son Sam never got to celebrate his milestone 21st birthday. When I look back now it’s easy to see when things aren’t going well but very often we just don’t know what to do about it. I’m hoping the CALM C.A.R.E. Kit will give us those tools.
I hope with this campaign, people see that when you talk about suicide you open the door for hope"
Judith, lost her son Sam to suicide
Right now, suicide is the most common cause of death for those under 24. But these aren’t just stats on a page. It’s Amelia who never got to celebrate her next birthday. Sadil who never saw his 20th. Jools who didn’t make it to his 15th. Hear from family and friends about the memories of the people they lost and their belief that we can all play a part in ending youth suicide.
The installation is at Westfield White City in London until tomorrow, September 11th 2024. We want it to be an urgent call to act now; to have the conversations today that will help more young people see tomorrow. If you’re nearby please visit to hear the stories of those that have been lost.
