|
Sandwell launches Suicide Prevention Strategy |
|
Sandwell Suicide Prevention Partnership has launched its Suicide Prevention Strategy and accompanying Action Plan following input from residents and community groups. The partnership is a collective of individuals representing a variety of sectors, organisations and community groups supporting Sandwell residents. The aim is to prevent loss of life by suicide and achieve zero suicides in Sandwell by 2030. The action plan is based on 10 themes including: raising awareness in organisations and communities; providing training for frontline council staff, GPs and first responders; improving access to support, including bereavement support, and building capacity in the voluntary and community sector; improving use of data and intelligence to identify gaps and share learning; and developing effective communication around suicide prevention, including working with the media. Councillor Suzanne Hartwell, Sandwell Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults, Social Care and Health, said: “We recognise that the causes of suicide are varied and complex, and that every story is different. So one of our main objectives is to make sure that anyone across the system who comes into contact with someone who is struggling or thinking about ending their life has the skills and knowledge to be able have a supportive conversation with that person and guide them to appropriate support.” The strategy and related information can be viewed on the Healthy Sandwell website at: www.healthysandwell.co.uk/mental-health If you’re feeling low, anxious or lonely – or if you know someone who is struggling, support is available. You do not have to struggle with difficult feelings alone. Visit www.healthysandwell.co.uk/mental-health-wellbeing for more information on support available. Here’s a list of organisations you can talk to: Black Country Mental Health Helpline 24/7 mental health support line which is available for Black Country residents of all ages 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Please call freephone 0800 008 6516 or text message 07860 025 281. Papyrus (HOPELINEUK for Young People) Are you, or is a young person you know, not coping with life? For confidential suicide prevention advice contact HOPELINEUK on freephone 0800 068 4141 (9am – midnight all year round) or text message 07860 039 967. Samaritans Call for free 24/7 on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org for further advice and information. Kaleidoscope Sanctuary hub Freephone 0800 008 6516 (Monday to Friday 6pm – 11pm; Saturday & Sunday 12noon – 11pm) Cruse Bereavement Care Freephone 0808 808 1677 (Monday & Friday 9.30am – 5pm, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 9.30am – 8pm, Weekends 10am – 2pm) Tough Enough To Care (Local men’s support group) www.toughenoughtocare.help/support-groups Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS) 0300 111 5065 (Monday and Tuesday 9am – 5pm) or visit www.uksobs.org |