World Suicide Prevention day

TODAY, Wednesday September 10th, marks World Suicide Prevention day.
Suicide is the leading cause of death in under 35s in the UK, and the NHS Warrington Clinical Commissioning Group want to raise awareness of this locally and let those suffering know there is help available.
Dr Andy Davies, Local GP and CCG Chair said: “There is no single reason anyone takes their own life, but certain things can increase the risk.
A person may be more likely to have suicidal thoughts if they have a mental health condition, such as depression, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. Misusing alcohol or drugs can also make a person more vulnerable.”
NHS Warrington CCG commission local providers like 5 Boroughs Partnership NHS Foundation Trust to deliver services to help those who are a risk of harming themselves.
Mike Kenny, Operational Assistant Director of Adult Services at 5 Boroughs Partnership NHS Foundation Trust said, ‘It is vital that within our communities every day is suicide prevention day. People need to be able to say: “I need help” without fear of being stigmatised.
“Studies have shown that being socially isolated can increase the risk of suicide and that having strong human bonds can protect against it. Therefore a simple thing we can all do is to reach out to those who have become disconnected from others; offering them support and friendship could be a life-saving act.
“As a Trust we believe that suicide should be viewed as an event that is preventable rather than an inevitable outcome of mental ill-health. We have been listening to and working with our clinicians to develop a new assessment tool so we can improve our skills around supporting our most vulnerable patients at the more difficult times in their lives. The new tool will be rolled out across the Trust this year following a pilot in Wigan.
We are also working closely with Public Health in Warrington as they develop a Public Health Improvement Plan which addresses suicide in the wider community.”
Across the world, more than 800,000 people die from suicide every year – which works out at one death every 40 seconds.
Getting help……
· If speaking with a friend, family member or someone you trust has not helped, make an urgent appointment to see your GP.
· If you cannot wait to see your GP, telephone the Warrington and Halton Assessment Team on 01925 666 647.
· In an emergency, go to or call your nearest Accident and Emergency (A&E) department. Other sources of support include NHS 111 or the Samaritans 24-hour support service on 08457 90 90 90.