World Suicide Prevention Day, observed on 10 September each year, is an opportunity to focus on what we can all do to help prevent suicide. Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW) is supporting the North East and North Cumbria Suicide Prevention Network’s campaign focussing on how people can look after themselves, look out for others, and get help early.
We at CNTW are proud to be active members of the North East and North Cumbria Suicide Prevention Network. This year we are supporting their call for us all to look after ourselves and look out for others.
The Network has been quick to adapt and respond to the pandemic, working across the NHS and with social care, local charities, businesses and community resilience groups to ensure people can access the support they need. Earlier this year, the Network distributed the purple ‘mental health and wellbeing during COVID-19’ booklet to an incredible 1.3 million households across the North East and North Cumbria.
During the current crisis, it’s vital that we have conversations with our colleagues, partner organisations, friends and family about suicide and how to prevent it. By speaking openly, we can all play our part in helping to break down the stigma associated with suicide, and empower more people to seek the help and support they need.
John LawlorChief Executive at CNTW
Anyone can learn vital suicide prevention skills in just 10-20 minutes. The Zero Suicide Alliance’s free, online, 10- or 20-minute training courses will provide you with a better understanding of the signs to look out for and how you can have a conversation with someone who is struggling with suicidal thoughts. Find the modules at www.zerosuicidealliance.com/training.
The Network is also launching two new initiatives. Suicide Prevention Resource Boxes will be made available in pharmacies, workplaces and education settings, village halls, and other community hubs. (If your organisation/workplace is interested in hosting a Resource Box please email [email protected].)
The Network is also offering suicide and self-harm prevention training across the region from October 2020. 4 Mental Health’s ‘Connecting with People’ mental health training programmes are designed to be suitable for a wide audience, not just those working in specialist mental health services. (If you would like to express an interest in undertaking the training or having it provided within your organisation, please contact [email protected].)
If you need support, are concerned about someone else, or have been bereaved by suicide, please visit www.stopsuicidenenc.org where you will find information on how and where to get help, as well as resources to help you stay safe or support someone else.
Follow the Network on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @StopSuicideNENC to stay up-to-date with their latest news.