World Suicide Prevention Week 2026

From 7 to 13 September 2026, extra attention will be given to suicide prevention across the Netherlands. More than 500 organisations throughout the country will be organising activities.

113 is also using this week to raise extra awareness of suicide prevention. And that remains urgently needed: every 45 seconds, someone in the world dies by suicide. In the Netherlands, more than 1,750 people die by suicide every year – an average of almost five people every day. We can only bring these numbers down by working together.

85,000 ribbons for suicide prevention

More than 500 organisations are helping to make suicide prevention visible through the campaign ‘Wear the ribbon, carry it together’. These include municipalities, Municipal Public Health Services (GGDs), hospitals, educational institutions and mental health care.

Together, we carry the cause.
Together, we talk about suicide.
Together, we start the conversation.

By wearing the ribbon, you show that this is something we carry together, so that no one has to carry it alone. More than 85,000 yellow orange ribbons for suicide prevention have been ordered. To wear or to give away.

During World Suicide Prevention Week, two campaigns will be launched: one aimed at middle-aged men and another aimed at all the people close to those experiencing suicidal thoughts.

Asking the question can save a life

Asking the question can save a life. You do not have to get it perfect. What matters is that you ask the question. Hesitate, stumble over your words, feel awkward – just be genuine. You may help someone break through their silent struggle.

For this campaign 113 works together with municipalities and Public Health Services. Through a wide range of channels, the campaign encourages people across the Netherlands to ask the question when they are concerned about someone. Of course, asking about suicidal thoughts can feel daunting. That is why the campaign consistently refers people to 113’s free online JustAsk training, which helps people learn how to start this conversation.

More information: devraagstellen.nl

Middle-aged men: Solving it yourself starts with 113

113 is launching the campaign ‘Solving it yourself starts with 113’. The campaign focuses on men aged 40 to 70 and addresses a persistent belief held by many men: that they should solve their (mental health) problems on their own. 113.nl

Suicide rates among middle-aged men are higher than among other groups. At the same time, this group is the least likely to seek help from 113. Through this campaign, we hope to change that.

Kick off at Football club Vitesse

Talk, ask and listen: on Friday evening, 4 September at 8:00 pm, football club Vitesse and the municipality of Arnhem will quite literally kick off World Suicide Prevention Week with a powerful initiative aimed at breaking the taboo around talking about suicide. 17,000 supporters will be encouraged to start the conversation with one another. Find out more.

A selection of activities during World Suicide Prevention Week in the Netherlands

Walk into the Light at more than 80 locations

Walk into the Light brings people together to walk from darkness into light. Across 85 walks throughout the Netherlands, people will pause to remember everyone who has died by suicide.

At the same time, the walks offer space for recognition, connection and support for people who have lost someone to suicide, those affected by suicide, and people who are themselves struggling with suicidal thoughts. It is a powerful moment of connection, remembrance and hope.

The walks are an initiative of the Suicide Prevention Centre, organised in collaboration with almost 100 organisations and made possible by the 113 Fund. Walkintothelight.nl

Man in Mind Meetup – Arnhem Region

On Wednesday evening, 10 September, the municipality of Arnhem, surrounding municipalities and 113 will host the Man in Mind Meetup. For the fifth year in a row, the event centres on sharing the stories and experiences of middle-aged men from the region.

At Vitesse Papendal, host Patrick Lodiers will be joined by guests including sports psychologist Bram Meurs and former serviceman Pieter Blonk. Arnhem.nl

Music as an Anchor at Pakhuis de Zwijger

In 2025, we created the 1K Z1E J3 campaign together with rapper ‘Krulle’. One year later, ‘Krulle’ remains just as committed to his mission of making suicide something we can talk about openly.

Music can help us find the words. Music can provide something to hold on to. That is why, on Thursday, 10 September – World Suicide Prevention Day – ‘Krulle’ will take to the stage at Pakhuis de Zwijger. Together with close friends, he will show and share the power of music, and how it can help us find new glimmers of hope when life feels at its darkest. dezwijger.nl

Podcast series with Sophie van den Enk

Together with presenter Sophie van den Enk, we have created a five-part podcast series in which people with lived experience and professionals share their stories. A new episode will be released every day during World Suicide Prevention Week.

Across five episodes, the series explores a range of topics related to suicide prevention, care and recovery: aftercare following a suicide attempt, the power of asking one question, bringing lived experience closer to local communities, the impact of social media on suicidality and recovery, and the impact of providing support where people need it most. wspw.nl

Suicide Prevention Conference: Stronger Together!

On Tuesday, 9 September 2026, our conference will bring together more than 600 professionals and people with lived experience who are working to put – and keep – suicide prevention on the agenda within their organisations and sectors.

The conference will take place in Apeldoorn in The Netherlands and offers a broad and diverse programme. events.113.nl

Discover more initiatives and view the full programme at wspw.nl