City mayor participates in recognition event for World Suicide Prevention Day
In the heart of Essen, Germany, a significant event took place on World Suicide Prevention Day, 10th September 2025. The day, observed globally to raise awareness about suicide and prevention methods, was marked by a memorial service and an information booth in the city centre.
Mayor Thomas Kufen, who is also the patron of the "Essen Alliance against Depression" founded in 2007, was present at the memorial service held at the Market Church. He expressed his condolences to the attendees, which included representatives from the Evangelical Church Circle Essen, the city administration, the Essen Telephone Counseling Service, the support association, and relatives of suicide victims.
The memorial service was a solemn occasion, honouring those lost to suicide, while the information booth, staffed by volunteers, provided resources and support for those affected by suicide. Over 9,000 cases of suicide occur annually nationwide in Germany, and over 60,000 people are affected as relatives or friends of suicide victims.
The memorial service and the information booth are separate events, with the former held at the Market Church in 2024 for the first time, and the latter set up in the city centre this year in the afternoon. The ServiceCenter Essen's telephone number for those in need of immediate assistance is +49 201 88-0.
Mayor Kufen has great respect and admiration for the volunteer telephone counselors and the organizers of self-help groups like "Survivors of Suicide." He emphasized the importance of bringing the topic of suicide out of the taboo zone and reducing stigmas associated with mental health issues.
World Suicide Prevention Day has been annually raising awareness about suicide and prevention methods since 2003. For those interested in learning more, the email address for press inquiries is presse@our website.
The "Essen Alliance against Depression," founded by Dr. Ulrich Hegerl in 2007, continues to work towards a society where mental health issues are understood, accepted, and addressed effectively. The fight against depression and suicide is a continuous journey, and events like these serve as a reminder of the importance of open discussions and collective action.
