Action Changes Things. A.C.T. – Ask. Care. Talk. Because every conversation matters.

This World Suicide Prevention Day, Wednesday September 10, Riders Minds is encouraging everyone across the equestrian community to A.C.T. – because taking action, however small it may feel, can make a life-changing difference.

Every 90 minutes, someone in the UK or Ireland dies by suicide,* while one in four people has experienced suicidal thoughts.** But suicidal thoughts can be interrupted.

Research shared by the Samaritans found that the majority of people with lived experience of suicide said their suicidal thoughts had been interrupted. For 60%, this was by someone close to them, such as a friend or family member, while 14% said it was a stranger or someone they didn’t know.***

Checking in matters. Asking twice matters. And sometimes, the person who chooses to ask, “Are you OK?” might just be the person who changes, or even saves someone’s life.

At Riders Minds, we believe preventing suicide isn’t just about what happens when someone reaches crisis point. It is about encouraging people to seek support sooner rather than later, when there is still an opportunity to interrupt suicidal thoughts, protect mental health and prevent a crisis from developing.

That is why Riders Minds provides a free helpline for anyone connected to the equestrian community who is struggling with their mental health or wellbeing. The helpline has crisis and emergency protocols in place for situations where someone may be at immediate risk. But our hope is that people will call before they reach that point.

You don’t have to wait until things become unbearable. You don’t need to have the right words. And you don’t need to know exactly what you need.

You just need to A.C.T.

ASK – Ask someone how they really are. If you’re worried about them, don’t be afraid to ask directly. You can find out more about having Courageous Conversations here: https://ridersminds.org/my-mental-health/courageous-conversations/

CARE – Show them that you care. Listen without judgement and let them know they don’t have to face things alone.

TALK – Start the conversation. Talking about suicide does not put the idea into someone’s head. It can create an opportunity for someone to share what they are going through and to access support.

It’s OK not to be OK – but what do we do next?

We often hear the phrase, “It’s OK not to be OK.” And it is.

None of us is expected to feel OK all of the time. Life can be difficult, overwhelming and painful. But if we’re not OK, what do we do about it? Do we stay not OK and hope things change? Or do we take action?

We often have no idea of the impact a simple conversation can have. What might feel like a small moment to you could be an incredibly important moment for someone else.

Let’s prevent suicide today. Because tomorrow’s too late.

Because every conversation matters and you might just be the person who makes a difference.

If you would like to talk to someone, call the helpline on 0800 088 2073 or text 07480 488 103 or click on the Live Chat icon.

All of the Riders Minds services are free, 100% confidential and accessible 24 hours a day.