Canary Islands’ Teléfono de la Esperanza handles 4,212 calls so far this year, 294 related to suicide

The campaign addresses two realities: how intense suffering can lead someone to see fewer and fewer alternatives, and how false beliefs and prejudice can make it difficult for people around them to recognise the warning signs.

“Preventing suicide is not just about acting in an emergency; it means building a culture in which it is possible to talk about suffering. That is why this campaign aims to provide people with the tools to recognise situations of distress and possible warning signs, so they are not overlooked or played down,” says Aurelia González, a clinical psychologist and head of the Suicide Prevention Programme and the Teléfono de la Esperanza Chat service.

Requests related to suicidal behaviour rise by 10.6%

During the first half of 2026, the Teléfono de la Esperanza’s network of 29 centres in Spain received 87,623 requests for help. Although the overall number remained at a similar level to the same period last year, with a slight increase of 0.5%, requests related to suicidal behaviour rose by 10.6% compared with 2025.

The telephone service remains the main channel for people over 35, while use of the Teléfono de la Esperanza Chat service has risen by 32.64%, making it a particularly popular channel among younger people. Minors account for 28.2% of the consultations handled through this service.

4,212 calls handled in the Canary Islands

In the Canary Islands, the Teléfono de la Esperanza had recorded a total of 4,212 calls by 7 September. Of these, 294, or 7%, were related to suicidal behaviour, including suicidal thoughts, crises or ongoing suicide attempts.

The organisation also points to other issues associated with a higher risk of suicide, such as life and meaning-related crises, isolation and loneliness, depressive crises and other serious problems.

“When all you see is… NOTHING”

The campaign aims to highlight that talking about suicide responsibly can help prevent it, and that it is vital to offer a non-judgemental space where people feel safe asking for help.

Activities organised in the Canary Islands have included training workshops in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Santa Cruz de Tenerife, as well as a social media awareness campaign held from 4 to 10 September to challenge myths and prejudices related to suicide prevention.

On 10 September, an information stand is open in Plaza del Chicharro, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, from 11:00 to 18:00, with a collective mural, activities and awareness-raising games. The reading of the 2026 Manifesto is scheduled for 12:00.

The Teléfono de la Esperanza provides free, confidential emotional support on 717 003 717, available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. The Teléfono de la Esperanza Chat service is also available from Monday to Sunday, 17:00 to 23:00.