New services to help prevent suicide

There is a raft of new support services aiming to help reduce the number of suicides in Derbyshire. 

The support ranges from online suicide prevention training to the launch of a new emotional health website. 

It coincides with World Suicide Prevention Day, which is on Thursday 10 September.

The theme for 2020 is ‘connection’, which may be connecting with others or connecting with yourself through nature, arts or understanding your feelings.

The effects of suicide can be 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.

Derbyshire County Council is highlighting the services that are on offer. 

Councillor Carol Hart, Cabinet Member for Health and Communities, 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.

“There’s a great network of local organisations working together in Derbyshire to help prevent suicides and ensure that support is available.

“We are pleased to be able to announce a new, wide ranging number of services and support that are being delivered by a number of local organisations across Derbyshire.”

The Tomorrow Project, a suicide bereavement support service in Derbyshire, are offering one to one virtual sessions on Thursday (10 September).

To apply for a place on a session, email bereavement.derbys@tomorrowproject.org.uk

Lisa Williamson, from The Tomorrow Project, said: “The field of suicide bereavement is a particularly specialist area. When we start talking about suicide it can be surprising how many others have a story to tell.

“So many of us are impacted by suicide either through the tragic loss of a loved one, someone we once worked with, or someone in our community and for others it may be a patient or someone very supportive. By reaching out to those affected we can prevent further suicides occurring.”

A new emotional health and wellbeing website with information on suicide prevention has been created by the NHS Derby and Derbyshire Clinical Commissioning Group and is now live at derbyandderbyshireemotionalhealthandwellbeing.uk

There is also a 24/7 helpline mental health support line for residents of all ages who are experiencing mental distress by calling 0800 028 0077.

The following new projects have been funded by NHS England and are being delivered through Joined up Care Derbyshire: 

• Local support, projects and training
• Suicide Prevention Support - Erewash Voluntary Action are leading a programme to engage and support organisations to take action on mental health and suicide prevention. They will be working with amateur sports clubs, workplaces, businesses and other community organisations.
• Peer Support for Men - A countywide network of informal peer support groups for men
• Media Project - Using new Samaritans guidelines a new project aims to support local media and communication teams on the responsible coverage of suicide related incidents
• Suicide Prevention Training - Derbyshire County Council are relaunching their training offer with online and virtual courses to raise awareness and improve skills and confidence about mental wellbeing.

Find out more at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/mentalhealthtraining

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

• speak to a friend, family member or someone you trust
• call the Samaritans 24-hour support service on 116 123
• go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department and tell the staff how you are feeling
• contact NHS 111
• make an urgent appointment to see your GP
• Call the Derbyshire Mental Health support line on 0800 028 0077. It's staffed by mental health professionals, is open 24 hours a day and is for all ages.