Tuesday 10 September marks World Suicide Prevention Day, which is a time to raise awareness of and prevent suicide.
Currently, more than 700,000 people a year take their life around the world and by raising awareness, reducing the stigma and encouraging action, we can help to reduce the instances of suicide around the world.
This year’s theme is ‘Changing the Narrative on Suicide’, which serves as a chance to #StartTheConversation around suicide and shift the culture to one of openness, empathy and support. Every chat, no matter how small, will build a supportive and understanding society and help provide support to anyone who is struggling.
Councillor Cllr Kamran Caan, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Sport at Coventry City Council, said: "It's so important for us to mark World Suicide Prevention Day to encourage as many people as possible to talk about this subject. The awareness day helps to guide people to support and information that could essentially save lives.
"There are many resources and support systems out there for those that need it, whatever stage of life they may be. We want Coventry and Warwickshire to be a place where no one feels alone or isolated. There is always help and support.”
Councillor Margaret Bell, Portfolio Holder for Social Care and Health at Warwickshire County Council, said: “If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please go to www.warwickshire.gov.uk/mentalhealth. If you feel like you can't cope, please go to Suicide prevention – Warwickshire County Council, where you will find suicide prevention information and a dedicated advice website, Dear Life www.dearlife.org.uk. Please know you are not alone - there are resources across Warwickshire to help yourself and others."
Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust (CWPT) Clinical Risk and Suicide Prevention Lead, James Baker, said:
“World Suicide Prevention Day is all about highlighting the support available for those who need it. Accessing services is not a sign of weakness, but strength. If, at any time, you feel you need urgent mental health support, you should call 111 and select the mental health option.
“If you’re struggling with anxiety or depression, CWPT supports everyone in seeking the mental health resources they deserve. NHS Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull Talking Therapies offer a self-referral programme. Get started online at talkingtherapies.covwarkpt.nhs.uk or call us directly at 024 7667 1090.”
There are lots of available services that can be accessed for anyone who is struggling:
- Coventry and Warwickshire RISE (Children and young people’s mental health service) Freephone 08081 966798 (select Option 2) - 24/7 service
- Coventry and Warwickshire Mental Wellbeing Line call 0800 616 171, free 24/7 and confidential helpline if you are feeling low, anxious, or stressed; having a difficult time coping; need someone to talk to find the right service.
- The Samaritans call 116 123
- Amparo provides free and confidential support for those bereaved by suicide
- YoungMinds Crisis Messenger: text YM to 85258
- Papyrus Hopeline UK suicide prevention helpline: call 0800 068 4141 or text 07860 039967
- Kooth.com is available to 11 to 25 year olds across Coventry and Warwickshire, providing an anonymous online counselling and support service. Throughout September they are holding a number of events and activities.
- Stay Alive app provides help for those at risk of suicide and people worried about someone
- Dimension of Health and Wellbeing Tool offers immediate tailored self-help support and signposting to local services
- Chat Health is a free service that enables 11–18-year-olds across Coventry and Warwickshire to send confidential SMS text messages to School Nurses who will provide impartial advice and support.
- For Warwickshire, text 07507 331 525
- For Coventry, text 07507 331 949
- NHS Talking Therapies
- Warwickshire County Council
- Coventry City Council
- Wellbeing for Life is a campaign to provide information on how people can improve and take care of their health and wellbeing, plus find out more about the 5 Ways to Wellbeing.