10/09/2026
🕊️💛 Today is World Su***de Prevention Day.
This is still not an easy story for me to share. But the reason I continue to speak about it is simple: if my story helps even one person feel less alone, then it is worth telling.
When I was just 18 months old, my dad’s life ended far too soon.
He was only 29 when he reached out for help in 1983. Tragically, the support he so desperately needed never came. Just days later, he took his own life. 💔
My mum spent years mourning my dad, carrying unimaginable pain while trying to raise me.
Then, when I was 23, I lost her too — killed in a car crash at just 45 years old.
Two devastating losses that shaped who I am today.
But my story didn’t end there.
Growing up, I experienced horrific domestic abuse at the hands of my stepfather. The trauma left deep scars on my mental health. There were times when I felt completely alone and overwhelmed, and times when I wished my own life would end too.
Back then, there wasn't the same understanding or support for people struggling with their mental health.
Over the years, I have also lost far too many friends to su***de — Immy, Rebecca, Mick and many others.
And only recently, our community was devastated by the loss of another young person. A bright life gone far too soon. 💔
The heartbreaking truth is that, another year on, the stories are still the same.
We are still losing people.
We are still asking whether enough is being done.
And now, organisations providing vital su***de-prevention support for young people, including PAPYRUS, are facing closure and uncertainty.
That should concern all of us.
Su***de prevention cannot simply be about what we do after someone reaches crisis point.
It has to be about early intervention, listening, support and making sure people know there is somewhere to turn.
Sometimes, asking someone “Are you okay?” and genuinely listening to the answer can make a difference.
💛 If you are struggling, please don't suffer in silence.
Talk to someone you trust.
Speak to your GP.
Reach out to a support service.
Check in on someone you care about.
And if someone tells you they are struggling, please listen. Don't dismiss them.
✨ You are not a burden.
✨ You are not alone.
✨ Your story is not over.
📞 Samaritans: 116 123 — free and available 24/7
💬 Shout: Text SHOUT to 85258
🚨 Emergency: Call 999 if there is an immediate danger to life.
My dad never got the help he needed.
I cannot change what happened in 1983.
But I can keep talking about him.
I can keep talking about su***de.
And I can keep reminding people that asking for help is not weakness.
Please don't wait until it's too late.
🕊️💛 Talk. Listen. Check in. Stay.
***dePreventionDay ***dePrevention
Jonathan Bibb East Yorkshire Conservatives Ryan Witchell for Bridlington North & Flamborough Caimen Kinder for Bridlington North and Flamborough Conservative Women's Organisation - UK Conservatives Together