WARRINGTON Borough Council’s public health team will be marking World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10 by reaching out to residents experiencing suicidal feelings to let them know about the support services available to them.
This year’s theme is “Reaching out and saving lives” and the team and local partner organisations will be attending a variety of community events to demonstrate interactive ideas and activities which challenge stigma and promote mental wellbeing.
The activities seek to make people aware of the support available to improve mental wellbeing and to encourage them to reach out to family, friends, neighbours and work colleagues.
The team will also launch its Suicide Prevention Flowchart, a brand new resource for front line workers designed to help identify when people might need more intensive support.
It outlines key local support services available and how people can access them easily. The flowchart will be available to download from the homepage of www.happyoksad.org.uk on World Suicide Prevention Day.
In Warrington, more men than women commit suicide, particularly in the 45-59 age range. Living alone and unemployment are key factors.
Although Warrington has a low number of suicides, it is the leading cause of death for men aged 20-34, accounting for 34 per cent of all deaths.
During the three year period 2011-13 there were 55 suicides, 44 male and 11 female.
Cllr Maureen McLaughlin (pictured), the council’s lead member for public health and wellbeing, said: “It is important we reach out to people in our community experiencing suicidal feelings to make sure they know that there are services available to support them.
“The new Suicide Prevention Flowchart resource will provide valuable practical help and guidance for our partners, to help them understand the issues around mental health and wellbeing, and be able to offer the best support available to those in need.”
Anyone finding it hard to cope, feeling desperate or having thoughts of suicide, can talk to their GP or call Warrington and Halton Assessment Team on 01925 666647, 24 hours a day.
Further help and support is available from several charities supporting people who are in distress, feeling suicidal or who are worried about a friend or family member, including the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90, 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 on World Suicide Prevention Day visit www.iasp.info/wspd/
For information on the range of local support services available in Warrington, visit www.happyoksad.org.uk.
Reaching out to help those in despair
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