Local Organisations Unite To Prevent Suicides

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

The theme this year is ‘Working Together to Prevent Suicide’.

Suicide is responsible for approximately 800,000 deaths, which equates to one suicide every 40 seconds. In the UK and ROI, more than 6,000 people die by suicide a year – an average of 18 a day.

The effects of suicide are far reaching and long lasting with friends, family and colleagues feeling the impact. Given the seriousness of the issue, professionals, community groups, volunteers and individuals have come together to try to reduce the risks of suicide with as series of special events.

As part of the suicide prevention work in Derbyshire there will be events held at 2 professional matches – Derby County FC and Chesterfield FC.

This year awareness raising events will also be held at 3 non-league matches – Alfreton Town, Belper Town and Sheffield FC.

Representatives from the Samaritans, Rethink, Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Derbyshire Mental Health Forum and other mental health organisations will be raising awareness about suicide prevention.

There will be activities to engage fans as well as information and support to those who may need it.

The 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.”

The World Suicide Prevention Day football matches will be held on the following dates:

Saturday 8 September 2018

Kick-off is at 3pm.

Alfreton Town v Guiseley.

Impact Arena, North Street, Alfreton, DE55 7FZ

Saturday 8 September 2018

Kick-off is at 3pm.

Chesterfield FC v Dover Athletic

Proact Stadium, 1866 Sheffield Road, Chesterfield, S41 8NZ

Saturday 15 September 2018

Kick-off is at 3pm.

Belper Town v Cleethorpes Town.

Christchurch Meadow, Bridge Street, Belper, DE56 1BA

Saturday 15 September 2018

Kick-off is at 3pm.

Sheffield FC v Gresley FC.

Sheffield FC Stadium, Sheffield Road, Dronfield, S18 2GD

Tuesday 18 September 2018

Kick-off is at 7.45pm.

Derby County v Blackburn Rovers.

Pride Park, Derby, DE24 8XL

The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) was founded in 1960 and is dedicated to preventing suicidal behaviour, alleviating its effects, and providing a forum for academics, mental health professionals, crisis workers, volunteers and suicide survivors.

Dr Allan Johnston, a consultant psychiatrist at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and chair of the trust’s suicide prevention group said:

“It’s really positive that Derbyshire County Council, Derbyshire Healthcare and other local organisations are once again joining forces for World Suicide Prevention Day.

“The theme this year is working together to prevent suicide and that couldn’t be more appropriate for Derbyshire this year, when hundreds of volunteers will be reaching out to football fans at 5 different matches across the county.

“One of our key messages will be that we must all work together to prevent suicide: that we have to look out for one another and support our friends, relatives, co-workers and neighbours.

“If one of us notices a change in the behaviour of someone we know well – perhaps they’ve become withdrawn or anxious, or they’re saying that they can’t see a way out of their problems – we can make a difference by encouraging them to seek help and showing them that they matter to us.

“And when one of us meets a stranger in distress, a simple conversation or just a kind smile could go a long way in making a connection and demonstrating that someone cares.”

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

The World Suicide Prevention Day matches are being delivered in partnership with Derby County Football Club, Chesterfield Football Club and the Spireites Trust, the Samaritans, Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Derbyshire Mental Health Forum, ourselves, Derby City Council and support from other local organisations.