During Mental Health Awareness Week (13 to 19 May) North Lincolnshire Council is encouraging people in the region to complete suicide prevention training.
The council is part of the Humber, Coast and Vale Mental Health Partnerships #TalkSuicide campaign, which is provided free suicide prevention online training programme, and improve support for those suffering from suicidal thoughts.
The 20-minute video-based training can be completed on the Talk Suicide website, so they can learn life-saving skills and improve the support network for those struggling with suicidal thoughts.
The Zero Suicide Alliance – a group of NHS Trusts, businesses and individuals committed to suicide prevention – has created the training to help people spot the signs in people experiencing suicidal thoughts, and equip them with the information and skills to help these people.
Mental health issues and financial problems are some of the biggest contributing factors to suicide. National statistics show that suicide is the biggest killer of men aged under 50. Men accounted for three quarters of suicides registered in 2017, while those aged between 45 and 49 are considered to be most at risk.1
Anyone can undertake the training, which only takes 20 minutes to complete. Completing the training will help you to:
- Spot signs in people experiencing suicidal thoughts
- Feel comfortable speaking about suicide in a supportive manner
- Signpost individuals suffering from suicidal thoughts to the correct services or support
Further details about the #TalkSuicide campaign can be found on the Talk Suicide website.
Michele Moran, Chair of the Humber, Coast and Vale Mental Health Partnership Board and Chief Executive at Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“Each death by suicide is a terrible loss and a tragedy for everybody involved. By taking just 20 minutes to complete the online training, you could help save someone from taking their own life. The training will help you to be better in identifying suicidal thoughts and behaviour and give you the information to direct them to the most appropriate support services.”
Kay Aisthorpe, the North Lincolnshire Local Authority Suicide Prevention Lead said:
“During Mental Health Awareness Week we hope to get people talking about mental health and the support available for those in need. By having a simple conversation with someone – be it your friend, colleague or family member – can make a real difference. Sometimes it is just asking them ‘how are you?’ and then asking them again.
“There are plenty of materials to help businesses and organisations incorporate this training into their workplace. We’re calling on people to complete the online training – because knowing what to do and say in the right situation really can help to save a life.”
If you need urgent help, or if you’re worried about the mental or emotional state of yourself or someone you know, help is available from the following services:
- Samaritans offer a 24-hours a day, seven days a week support service. Call them FREE on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.
Rachel Johnson, Director of Scunthorpe Samaritans, said:
“We are pleased to support North Lincolnshire Mental Health Awareness Week 2019 and key messages we would like to promote are ‘It’s okay not to be okay’ and to encourage anybody who is struggling with anything to ‘talk to us’. Our volunteers offer round the clock support 365 days a year and can be contacted via phone on 116123, email jo@samaritans.org or face to face in branch on Lindum Street in Scunthorpe. You can find out more about Samaritans at www.samaritans.org/.”
