Local Council Highlight Support Services Ahead Of World Suicide Prevention Day

It’s World Suicide Prevention Day on Saturday 10 September 2016 and Derby County Council are highlighting the support services people can access.

Eighty-six people took their own lives in Derbyshire in 2014 and the DCC are working to make sure more people are made aware of the services available.

World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) is an initiative of the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Cabinet Member for Health and Communities Councillor Dave Allen said: “The reasons behind someone taking their life are often complex, but in many cases the death may have been prevented if the signs of distress had been recognised and appropriate support provided.

“That’s why we’re reaching out to anyone who may be going through difficult times and letting them know that help, advice and support is out there.”

A key priority for the council is providing support for mental health issues and work is being carried out to reduce the number of preventable deaths in Derbyshire.

The DCC lead a city and countywide suicide prevention group as well as funding suicide prevention training delivered by Rural Action Derbyshire which is offered to employees in organisations which work with the public.

The training not only raises awareness of the issues around suicide prevention, but also gives people the skills and confidence to support others and take action when needed.

Residents experiencing mental ill health, emotional distress or are worried about someone they know can contact:

• The Samaritans (opens in a new window) tel: 08457 909090
• Derbyshire Focusline (opens in a new window) tel: 08000 2721276
• SOBS (survivors of bereavements by suicide) (opens in a new window) for people bereaved or affected by suicide tel: 0300 111 5065.

This year Derbyshire Healthcare Foundation Trust is organising an event at the iPro Stadium in Derby on Suicide Prevention Day. The aim of the event is to:

• raise awareness of suicide and its impact
• contribute to fighting stigma around mental health issues and suicide
• reach out to people who may not be known to services
• signpost people to sources of help and support.

Everyone is welcome to meet up outside the club shop (next to Greggs) from 3pm and learn more about local support services before Derby County’s football match against Newcastle United.

Councillor Allen added: “We fund a number of mental health support services throughout Derbyshire including helplines, mental health awareness training and health and wellbeing zones. The message we want to get out is that you’re not alone. There are people who can help.”