Armed Forces Gold Award
03 Sep 2026The Award recognises our commitment to supporting veterans, reservists, military spouses and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers
[Music]
what's in a smile
a simple smile could mean little to you
or i but to someone thinking about
suicide
it can be the first step towards life
suicidal thoughts are complex no one
knows exactly what works to stop another
tragedy
adding to the 800 000 suicides and 20
million attempted suicides a year
we do know though that certain actions
can make a difference and we know that
if we put a wide range of these actions
in place
we have a better chance of preventing
suicides
community support to counter the
isolation so often felt
responsible and sensitive media
portrayals to help people see how others
have managed
local education to create awareness in
the community
restricting the means of suicide to stop
people
at critical moments all these actions
have been shown through research to work
but we can't do all this alone
we need people on the ground to help us
make the first step towards those with
suicidal thoughts
by stepping closer we can be aware of
those around us
who need help by stepping closer
we can encourage those with suicidal
thoughts to reach out
by stepping closer we can support those
in need
by sitting in their pain every step
closer
can connect someone to life and the help
they want
sometimes those steps are big sometimes
all it takes
is a smile
