The nation is urged to turn purple from 7–13 September 2025 to raise funds and awareness around the stigma, silence and shame surrounding mental health and suicide ideation. 

SOS Silence of Suicide is launching a bold, nationwide call to action – ‘Purple-ise To Prevent’ – that will sweep across Britain this September; the centrepiece of the UK’s first-ever Suicide Prevention Week (Sunday 7 – Saturday 13 September 2025). 

From iconic landmarks to living rooms, shopfronts to school gates and your online and digital footprints, the UK is being urged to turn purple in a powerful, visible stand against suicide, and the stigma, silence and shame that still surround it. 

The Time is Now 
Every 90 minutes, someone in the UK takes their own life. That’s 17 families forever changed each day. These numbers are not just statistics, they are loved ones, colleagues and friends. 

“Suicide is not inevitable. We can prevent it, but only if we stop whispering and start talking,” says Matt Weaver, Senior Partnerships Manager of SOS Silence of Suicide. “Purple-ise to Prevent is about flooding our communities with a message of hope, visibility and courage. We want every person to know you are seen, you are valued, and you matter.” 

A Decade of Listening, a Future of Action 
The campaign marks SOS Silence of Suicide’s 10th anniversary, a decade of listening without judgement and standing alongside those in despair. To mark the milestone, the charity is giving back in the most impactful way possible by launching OPEN Conversations – a free, nationwide training on World Suicide Prevention Day (Wednesday 10 September). 

The OPEN Conversations Course will be available online, equipping people to recognise when someone might be struggling, start meaningful conversations, and guide them towards help. 

How the UK Can Purple-ise 

• Embody Purple: Don purple clothing, accessories, or badges to show support. 

• Host a Purple-ise to Prevent Fundraiser or Event in your community. 

• Purple-ise Your Surroundings it up: Illuminate or decorate landmarks, buildings, or windows in shades of purple. 

• Talk, share, connect: Host conversations at work, school, or in your community. 

• Learn to listen: Take the free OPEN Conversations Course and become a lifesaver. 

• Use your voice: Share your story, photos or videos in support using #PurpleiseToPrevent and #SOSForSuicidePrevention 

More Than a Colour — A Commitment 
The charity is calling on councils, companies, sports clubs, schools and community groups to pledge their participation now. The goal: a wave of purple that reaches every corner of the UK, sparking thousands of conversations that could change, and help save lives. 

For more information on how to participate, free digital toolkit and fundraiser pack, please visit: https://silenceofsuicidesos.org.uk/world_suicide_prevention_week_purple-ise_to_prevent/ 

Date posted: Thursday, 21 August 2025