After sunset on Saturday 13 September, the exterior façade of the Library of Birmingham will be lit up purple to mark both Suicide Prevention Week 2025 and World Sepsis Day 2025.

Every 90 minutes, someone in the UK or Ireland dies by suicide.

The Samaritans surveyed people with lived experience of suicide and the majority said that their suicidal thoughts had been interrupted, with:

• 60% saying their suicidal thoughts had been interrupted by someone close to them, like a friend or family member
• 14% saying their suicidal thoughts had been interrupted by a stranger or someone they didn’t know

Small interruptions you make and actions you take could help someone who is suicidal.

You do not have to be an expert to save someone’s life.

The Samaritans are one of the UK’s leading charities for those needing someone to talk to. For more information, visit the Samaritans website.

Sepsis arises when the body’s response to an infection injures its own tissues and organs.

It may lead to shock, multi-organ failure and death - especially if not recognized early and treated promptly.

Sepsis is the final common pathway to death from most infectious diseases worldwide, including viral infections such COVID-19.

20% of all deaths worldwide are associated with sepsis. Many surviving patients suffer from the consequences of sepsis for the rest of their lives.

World Sepsis Day was initiated to raise awareness for sepsis worldwide. The best way to prevent sepsis is to prevent infection happening.

For information on sepsis and support, visit the UK Sepsis Trust website.

Article published: 11 September 2025