Published on: 12th September 2016
Businesses, organisations and community groups are being encouraged to be more aware of suicide and recognise people who may be at risk and need support.
As part of a new suicide prevention local action plan for Lincolnshire, a campaign has been launched for World Suicide Prevention Day (Saturday 10 September).
Dubbed 'Lincolnshire Suicide SAFE' (Supporting Awareness For Everyone), organisations can sign up to a 'charter' to pledge to:
- develop a culture where people are comfortable talking about difficult issues
- raise awareness of suicide - using the Suicide SAFE toolkit of posters and useful information
- help recognise the signs and triggers for those at risk and support vulnerable individuals
- learn how to respond to someone who may be at risk
Kakoli Choudhury, Public Health Consultant, said:
All agencies in Lincolnshire have been working together on the local action plan to help reduce the number of suicides in the county. A key part of this is through raising awareness of the causes and help available.
Dr Sue Elcock, Medical Director from Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, said:
The effects of suicide can be devastating and the impact can be felt widely in a community. Suicide is often the end point of a complex history of risk factors and distressing events, but often people don't give any indication that they might be having suicidal thoughts. Simply asking people how they are, listening and being supportive can make a real difference.
Ashley Hill, from Lincoln who has had attempted suicide on two occasions said that simply talking to people about his feelings is key to overcoming harmful thoughts.
“I’m good now but I do still have my wobbles. I can recognise the signs however and if I start to struggle I know I have people I can talk to.
“At the end of the day it’s all about the talking. People feel ashamed and don’t want to admit to feeling like this. But there’s nothing to be afraid of and it’s so important to talk to someone about things and open up that conservation.”
Posters and conversation cards are available as part of the campaign with helpful information on how to talk to people who you are worried about.
More information about the campaign, including the suicide prevention local action plan, can be found at www.lpft.nhs.uk/suicidesafe
