Raising awareness about suicide prevention in Derbyshire

Derbyshire County Council is joining the NHS, local charities and organisations in supporting World Suicide Prevention Day which is on 10 September.

The effects of suicide can be devastating, far reaching and long lasting. 

Many people ? friends, family and colleagues feel the impact.  That's why professionals, community groups, volunteers and individuals are working together to raise awareness and to help to reduce the risks of suicide.

As part of the suicide prevention work in Derbyshire there will be events held at several local football matches, and widespread promotion of local support and services, throughout September.  Over 900 people also attended and received information at the Belper Town v Ilkeston Town match on August 30th.  

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Communities Councillor Carol Hart said: “We know that the reasons why someone may choose to take their own life can be extremely complex and people may be afraid to raise the subject for fear of not knowing what to say or do to help.

“But we can all make a difference to someone who may be suffering emotional distress. There are several things that we can do if someone confides that they are feeling suicidal. 

“Stay calm, listen, take them seriously and encourage them to speak to a health professional.”     

In partnership with The Lions Barber Collective the county council will be offering free suicide prevention training to barbers and hairdressers across Derbyshire in the next few months.

You can play your part on 10th September by promoting the hashtag #WSPD and the handle @NSPA_UK across social media.

Support and advice
If you, or someone you know, are feeling suicidal, there are several things that you can do:

Mentell offer peer support for men aged 18 and over in Derbyshire.  You can find out more about the support on offer at www.mentell.org.uk

A range of free apps are available to support wellbeing and suicide prevention. Search and download health and wellbeing apps online at derbyshire.orcha.co.uk

The National Suicide Prevention Alliance (NSPA) have resources online at nspa.org.uk

If you have been affected by a death by suicide, then bereavement support is available in Derbyshire through The Tomorrow Project and Survivors of Bereavement By Suicide (SOBS).

Other information around support and advice around suicide prevention can be found here.