SATURDAY is World Suicide Prevention Day – and it will be flagged up in Warrington by a number of organisations.
The borough council’s public health team is encouraging residents to take care of their own mental wellbeing – and the Five Boroughs Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, which is responsible for mental health in Warrington, is joining forces with a charity and a former rugby player to launch a video to help people who have been affected by suicide.
The council team will be raising awareness of support available and encouraging people to connect and communicate with family, friends, neighbours and work colleagues, especially those who might be struggling. People will also be encouraged to reach out to support services if they can’t cope and need help.
Between 2012 and 2014 there were 234 deaths by suicide within the Cheshire and Merseyside area. It’s estimated that a further six people on average suffer a severe emotional impact as a result of the death, which would equate to 1,404 people affected between 2012 and 2014 by deaths. In Warrington between 2012-14 there were 64 suicides – 48 male and 16 female.
Cllr Maureen McLaughlin (pictured above), the council’s lead member for public health and wellbeing, said: “The theme for this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day is ‘Connect, Communicate, Care’, which is in keeping with the council’s mental wellbeing campaign, Make Time.
“We know the devastating effects suicide has on families and communities and this is a really important campaign. I would encourage people to consider if you have a friend or family member you have been concerned about – connect with them, talk about how they are feeling and support them to access help.”
Anyone finding it hard to cope, feeling desperate or are having thoughts of suicide, can talk to their GP or call Warrington Assessment Team on 666647.
The Assessment Team is for people 18 and over with moderate to severe symptoms of mental health problems.
Help is also available from the Samaritans on 116 123, Papyrus HOPELine UK (for young people) on 0800 068 41 41, or CALM (for men) on 0800 58 58 58 (5pm to midnight).
For more information about local mental health support services visit Warrington’s mental health awareness site http://www.happyoksad.org.uk/.
The council offers basic suicide prevention training to staff and volunteers from not-for-profit organisations. For details visit www.warrington.gov.uk/phtraining.
The Five Boroughs Trust has produced its video in partnership with Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS) charity and former Warrington Wolves player Ian Knott, who has drawn on his own personal experiences of feeling suicidal in the hope of helping others.
The short video brings the subject to the forefront by encouraging people who are concerned about someone close to them to start a conversation and ask them how they are feeling.
Dr Phil Cooper, nurse consultant at the Trust also offers his advice in the video.
He said: “Suicide is currently the biggest killer of men aged between 20 and 49 in the UK but suicidal thoughts and feelings can affect anyone. If you are feeling
suicidal, the best thing you can do is speak to someone you trust – whether that’s a family member, a friend or your GP.
“It’s important to remember that help is available and talking to someone about how you’re feeling is an important step to getting that support and feeling better.
“If you are worried about a family member or friend, let them know you’re there
for them. Sometimes, just asking ‘are you okay?’ can be enough to bring someone back from feeling suicidal.”
The video can be seen at www.5boroughspartnership.nhs.uk/world-suicide-prevention-day-2/
Suicide – the biggest killer of men between 20 and 49
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