Suicide prevention is a critical area of focus for many charities dedicated to providing resources, education, and support for those struggling with mental health issues. These organizations offer crucial services, including crisis intervention, counseling, mental health education, and research into suicide prevention.
Here are some of the most impactful suicide prevention charities that work tirelessly to provide support, raise awareness, and reduce the stigma around mental health.
1. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is one of the leading suicide prevention organizations in the United States. They focus on raising awareness, funding scientific research, and providing resources for those affected by suicide.
- Mission: To save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide.
- What they offer: Suicide prevention education, crisis support, community walks, survivor support, and research funding.
- How to support: Participate in AFSP’s Out of the Darkness Walks, donate, or get involved with local chapters.
Example: AFSP funds scientific research into the causes of suicide and supports initiatives that connect people with the help they need.
2. Crisis Text Line
The Crisis Text Line provides 24/7 crisis support through text messaging, offering immediate help to those in emotional distress or contemplating suicide.
- Mission: To provide free, 24/7 support through text for those in crisis.
- What they offer: Confidential crisis intervention via text, connecting individuals to trained counselors.
- How to support: Donate, volunteer as a crisis counselor, or spread the word about the service.
Example: Text “HELLO” to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor immediately, offering a lifeline for people in distress.
3. The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project is the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ+ youth. Their mission is to support young people in the LGBTQ+ community who are at a higher risk of suicide due to stigma and discrimination.
- Mission: To end suicide among LGBTQ+ youth through crisis intervention, advocacy, and research.
- What they offer: 24/7 crisis support via phone, chat, and text, as well as community resources, counseling, and educational materials.
- How to support: Donate, volunteer, or join The Trevor Project’s advocacy efforts.
Example: LGBTQ+ youth in crisis can reach out via The TrevorLifeline (1-866-488-7386), chat, or text for confidential support.
4. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free, 24/7, confidential support to individuals in distress, including suicide prevention and emotional crisis intervention.
- Mission: To provide free, confidential support for people in distress and resources for suicide prevention.
- What they offer: 24/7 support through a national toll-free hotline (1-800-273-8255), online chat services, and resources for loved ones of individuals in crisis.
- How to support: Donate or spread awareness of the lifeline.
Example: The Lifeline connects individuals to nearby crisis centers based on their location, providing immediate emotional support and access to local resources.
5. To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA)
To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA) is a non-profit dedicated to offering hope and help to people struggling with depression, addiction, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts. They focus on raising awareness, providing resources, and encouraging community-based support.
- Mission: To provide hope and support for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts.
- What they offer: Mental health resources, blogs, social media campaigns, and grants to connect people with counseling services.
- How to support: Purchase merchandise, donate, or participate in TWLOHA events like Run for It 5K.
Example: TWLOHA connects individuals with local mental health resources and shares inspiring stories of recovery to encourage those struggling with mental health issues.
6. Hope For The Day
Hope For The Day is a proactive mental health and suicide prevention organization that focuses on peer-to-peer support and public education to break the stigma around mental health.
- Mission: To reduce suicide rates through proactive suicide prevention and mental health education.
- What they offer: Educational workshops, mental health resources, and public awareness campaigns.
- How to support: Donate, participate in fundraising events, or host a mental health workshop.
Example: Hope For The Day’s slogan, “It’s OK Not to Be OK,” is a powerful reminder to encourage open conversations about mental health.
7. Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE)
Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE) focuses on raising awareness about suicide prevention through public campaigns, education programs, and supporting those affected by suicide loss.
- Mission: To prevent suicide through public awareness, education, and support for survivors.
- What they offer: Suicide prevention resources, educational programs, survivor support groups, and outreach events.
- How to support: Donate, participate in SAVE events, or access educational materials to share with your community.
Example: SAVE’s programs aim to educate the public about mental health issues, offering tools to recognize warning signs and connect individuals to help.
8. The Jed Foundation (JED)
The Jed Foundation (JED) is a nonprofit that works to protect emotional health and prevent suicide among teens and young adults, particularly in schools and college campuses.
- Mission: To protect the emotional health of teens and young adults and reduce the risk of suicide.
- What they offer: Mental health resources for schools and colleges, educational campaigns, and suicide prevention programs.
- How to support: Donate, share JED’s resources, or get involved with their school-based programs.
Example: JED collaborates with schools to create safer, more supportive environments, offering resources for mental health programs and crisis intervention.
9. Samaritans
Samaritans is an international charity that provides emotional support to people in distress, focusing on suicide prevention through active listening.
- Mission: To reduce feelings of isolation and disconnection that can lead to suicide through compassionate listening and support.
- What they offer: 24/7 helpline, email and text support, and in-person emotional support for people experiencing emotional distress.
- How to support: Volunteer, donate, or spread awareness of their services.
Example: Samaritans offers free, confidential emotional support to anyone who is struggling, ensuring no one has to face crisis alone.
10. Born This Way Foundation
Founded by Lady Gaga, the Born This Way Foundation focuses on empowering young people and creating supportive communities through mental health resources, with an emphasis on suicide prevention and emotional well-being.
- Mission: To support the mental health of young people and work to create a kinder, braver world.
- What they offer: Mental health resources, community-based support, and youth-focused initiatives.
- How to support: Donate, participate in campaigns, or advocate for youth mental health.
Example: The Foundation works closely with schools and organizations to provide mental health resources to young people, reducing the stigma around mental health.
Final Thoughts
Supporting suicide prevention charities is a powerful way to help those in crisis and raise awareness about the importance of mental health. These organizations work tirelessly to provide life-saving services, resources, and education that make a real difference. Whether you’re looking to donate, volunteer, or spread awareness, each of these charities offers opportunities to get involved in the fight against suicide and mental health stigma.
If you or someone you know is in need of help, don’t hesitate to reach out to any of these organizations for support.