Suicide prevention signs on Warsaw bridges – support for people in crisis

Green plaques with the sign “Don’t give up on life” and phone numbers for 24-hour mental health helpline have appeared on Warsaw bridges. This innovative solution, aimed at people experiencing an emotional crisis, aims to provide support to those in particularly difficult life situations. Warsaw is the first city in Poland to decide on such a measure. 

The suicide prevention signs were installed on all Warsaw bridges as part of an extended project from the 2024 Civic Budget. The originator of the initiative was Karol Bąkowski, who submitted the project in the 10th edition of the Civic Budget. The plaques enjoyed strong support from Varsovians, which led to the implementation and expansion of the project. 

Support at your fingertips
The signs feature two key phone numbers: 

• 511 200 200 – this is a 24-hour crisis support phone number aimed at adult residents of Warsaw. This number is manned by specialists of the Warsaw Crisis Intervention Center (WOIK), who are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Help is offered by psychologists, therapists and social workers who support people experiencing emotional difficulties. 
• 112 – the primary emergency number, which is available throughout the European Union. It can be called in life and health threatening emergency situations. 

“These plaques are not only a symbol, but also a real support for people in crisis. It’s a sign that they are not alone and can count on help”, stressed Karol Bąkowski, author of the project. ” I am from a generation that faces many mental problems. That’s why I think that thanks to such signs, people in mental crisis will be aware of where they can turn for help.” 

Warsaw Crisis Intervention Center – support on many levels
People in crisis can also take advantage of direct assistance offered by the Warsaw Crisis Intervention Center, which operates at several addresses in Warsaw: 

• Ursynów: ul. 6-go Sierpnia 1/5, 02-842 Warszawa 
• Śródmieście: Plac Dąbrowskiego 7, 00-057 Warszawa 
• Mokotów: ul. Madalińskiego 45/47, 02-544 Warszawa (Poradnia ds. Przeciwdziałania Przemocy w Rodzinie) (Family Violence Prevention Clinic). 

At WOIK , people in crisis can get free psychological help, shelter and other forms of support. Detailed information about WOIK activities can be found at: woik.waw.pl. 

 

Warsaw’s support for people in crisis
One of the most important elements of support is the phone number 511 200 200, which is operated by WOIK specialists. As Katarzyna Sękowska-Świątkiewicz, director of WOIK, emphasizes: 

“Let’s be considerate of others and not be afraid to seek help in places like the Warsaw Crisis Intervention Center. The bridges which the plaques are a symbol of preventive action supporting people in life crisis.” 

 

“Suicidology” project implemented by SGMK
The initiative of the plaques fits perfectly with the goals of the project “Suicidology – state of knowledge analysis and educational campaign,” implemented by the Nicolaus Copernicus Superior School in Warsaw. The project, funded by the Ministry of Science, aims to diagnose the state of public awareness of the issue of suicide among children and adolescents. The project also includes an extensive educational campaign to prevent suicide and support those at risk.

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“Suicidology – state of knowledge analysis and educational campaign” project, implemented by the Nicolaus Copernicus Superior School, is funded by the Ministry of Science. For more information and updates on the project, please visit the dedicated website: www.sgmk.edu.pl/suicidology.