International Suicide Prevention Day and TELL Lifeline Support Worker Training 

In conjunction with its Step Up Challenge, Tokyo-based TELL is launching an inaugural Mental Health Champion video series this month. Across the month, TELL is posting a series of video interviews with our first three “Mental Health Champions”—2021 Miss Universe Japan Juri Watanabe, rock star Diamond Yukai and high school student Kenzo Tanaka. These champions have all Stepped Up to share their personal stories and mental health struggles, becoming leaders in the community in breaking down the barriers, discrimination and stigma surrounding this topic and helping to start the conversation. 

See the video here:

We will conduct our Lifeline Support Worker Training for Autumn 2024 from September 28 – December 15 (see below).

From September 10 (World Suicide Prevention Day), meanwhile, through October 10 (World Mental Health Day), will you help change the conversation around mental health and suicide prevention in Japan and globally? Suicide remains a critical issue that impacts thousands of individuals and communities in Japan. At TELL, we believe there is no reason anyone has to die by suicide, and together, we can help prevent those deaths and the devastating impact that they have.

Will you join TELL in our 2024 Step Up Challenge in honor of the 21,8137 lives lost to suicide last year, and help change the conversation around mental health?

WHO: Individuals, communities, schools, embassies, NGOs, and business organizations 

WHAT: Take action (by yourself, with a team or join one of our regional walks) using the number 21,837. (You can walk, run, bike, swim, climb, crochet, paint, talk, fundraise – get creative and have those important conversations!)

WHERE: Anywhere in Japan or the world

WHEN: September 10 to October 10

WHY: To honor the 21,837 people who lost their lives to suicide in Japan in 2023

HOW: 

1. Register and buy a ￥1,500 TELL Step Up ticket (eligible for prizes and swag). Tickets to be available on TELL event website from August 1, 2024. 
2. Organize your own teams to compete for the awards (including most steps in a day, most funds raised, and most creative use of 21,837 number) OR join one of our TELL community walks (Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka)

Compete with friends, family, business colleagues and teammates! Meet your community, raise funds and awareness for suicide prevention and start those important mental health conversations. Get your athletic shoes ready and save the dates! We can’t wait to see you there. You can also join one of our community walks nationwide, starting with our candlelight vigil on September 10th, in remembrance of those who have lost their lives. 

By stepping up and starting conversations, we can begin to tackle this uncomfortable but important topic, check in with a friend or loved one, share personal stories and advocate for mental health resources and support services. No matter how small, every conversation contributes to a more supportive and understanding society and inspires positive change. Join us and #StartTheConversation.

Grab your Step Up Challenge Ticket Here

Lifeline Support Worker Training Autumn 2024: September 28 to December 15

Every day, around the world people struggle with thoughts of suicide. Some of them pick up the phone and call a lifeline, knowing they will find a compassionate heart and a listening ear on the other end. We want to answer every call that comes our way, whatever the person on the other end is going through, but to do that we need your help. Click here to learn more about how you can support our mission.