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Create hope through action this World Suicide Prevention Day
Each year World Suicide Prevention Day has a different theme, where organisations and communities around the world come together to raise awareness and bring to light a specific aspect of suicide prevention. This year’s theme is ‘Creating Hope through action’.
Both Cramlington Town Council and Northumberland County Council are taking action to support the aims of the day which this year falls on 10th September.
Cramlington Town Council is providing Suicide Prevention Training on Monday September 12th between 6pm-9pm in the council’s Community Room (above Newcastle Building Society). The training is being delivered by the Integrated Wellbeing Team and spaces are still available – email maggie@cramlingtontowncouncil.gov.uk for more information and to book a place.
Below is information from Northumberland County Council which is sharing facts about suicide and offering advice on how you can help someone who may have suicidal thoughts.
Talking about suicide won’t make somebody’s suicidal thoughts worse or make them more likely to harm themself. Starting a conversation about suicidal thoughts can help with suicide prevention by creating a safe space for them to talk about how they are feeling. This conversation also can provide an opportunity to explore support options, such as professional support.
Councillor Catherine Seymour, Northumberland County Council’s Mental Health Champion, said: “Supporting World Suicide Prevention Day gives us the opportunity to get people talking about mental health and to signpost help and support for those who are finding things tough.
“Talking about suicide can be a plea for help. One in five people have thought about suicide at some point in their life and not all people who die by suicide have a mental health condition.
“I would encourage anyone who is feeling overwhelmed to please reach out to someone.”
A variety of help and advice is available to help with starting a conversation about suicide:
- Mental Health Uk have produced a Conversation Guide: Talking about Suicide, practical tips to starting a conversation, mobile-friendly and printer-friendly versions are available. https://mentalhealth-uk.org/suicide/#section-11
- The Zero Suicide Alliance offers free suicide awareness training (20 Mins) The training is recommended for anyone aged 16 and over. Anyone can learn how to have a potentially life-saving conversation. https://www.zerosuicidealliance.com/suicide-awareness-training
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, seek professional support.
Contact your:
- GP and ask for an emergency appointment
- Local NHS 111 service
- The Samaritans (Support and information) www.samaritans.org Tel 116 123
- Emergency call 999
