The Community Trust alongside Derbyshire County Council is joining the NHS, local charities and organisations in supporting World Suicide Prevention Day which is on Monday, 10 September. This year the theme is ‘Working Together to Prevent Suicide’.
Suicide is the leading cause of death among young people aged 20 to 34 years in the UK. 73 people living in Derbyshire took their life in 2016 and three quarters of these were men. In 2016 in Derbyshire the highest rate of suicide occurred in those aged 40-49.
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 reduce the risks of suicide.
At Saturday’s game against Dover Athletic, there are activities to engage fans as well as information and support to those who need it.
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.
As part of the suicide prevention work in Derbyshire there will be events held at two professional matches – Derby County FC and Chesterfield FC.
This year awareness raising events will also be held at three non-league matches – Alfreton Town, Belper Town and Sheffield FC.
Derbyshire County Council’s 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.”
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 five 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.
