Open and honest conversations about suicide can save a life

Residents and people working in Croydon are being encouraged to sign-up to free sessions to support those who may feel suicidal, to raise awareness and to challenge the stigma and shame associated with suicide.

The one-hour free suicide prevention awareness sessions are being offered jointly by Croydon Council and South West London CCG, who are highlighting it for Mental Health Awareness Week, 9-15 May.

In England, one person takes their own life every 90 minutes. The aim of the one-hour session is to create open and honest conversations about suicide, which can save lives.

It will boost people’s confidence to initiate those conversations and support those who may be at risk of suicide – whether that is family, a friend, a colleague, or a customer.

The session starts with background information and myth busting, and then delves into how to recognise the signs, ask, listen and act accordingly to support someone who is feeling suicidal.

The council and CCG are specifically encouraging those who already work in this field supporting adults or children and young people, to take part in the sessions.

Past attendees have reported feeling more informed and better equipped to talk about suicide and support someone who may feel suicidal.

People can also join the Champion Network and become a Suicide Prevention Champion.

The council is also supporting the Samaritans Small Talk Saves Lives campaign with posters in the borough during the week to help raise awareness of these issues.

Rachel Flowers, Croydon’s director of public health, said: “Many of you already have the skills to start a conversation with someone who needs help. However, attending the suicide prevention awareness sessions will give you the confidence to act if something doesn’t feel right. A little small talk and a simple question can be all it takes to interrupt someone’s suicidal thoughts and help start them on the journey to recovery. It could save a life.”

For more information or to book the one-hour suicide prevention sessions, please contact: Jodie Ferris, Suicide Prevention Coordinator (Communities), jferris@bwwmind.org.uk, and Ana Djurdjevic, Suicide Prevention Coordinator (Children and Young People), adjurdjevic@bwwmind.org.uk

Funded places are also available for Croydon schools staff, those working with young people, and suicide prevention champions on the SP-EAK (Suicide Prevention – Explore, Ask Keep Safe) training in May and June.

 

 

2022-05-06T15:26:05+01:00 May 6th, 2022|Recent news|