Wolverhampton’s Suicide Prevention Stakeholder Forum is using the annual event to raise awareness of the help and support available for people experiencing distress or despair, and to open up a dialogue around this complex issue.
Two special events are taking place in the region to mark World Suicide Prevention Day. The Midlands Online Health Inequalities and Suicide Prevention conference taking place tomorrow (Thursday 8 September); for details, visit eventbrite. Meanwhile, the Black Country Healthcare NHS Trust is holding the Creating Hope Through Action event via Zoom event on Friday (9 September) – register at eventbrite.
As always, there is a range of help and support available across the area for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair. If you are having a difficult time or if you are worried about someone else, contact The Samaritans on 116 123 or by emailing jo@samaritans.org. Emails will be replied to within 24 hours.
The Black County Partnership NHS Trust's mental health support line is available to residents of all ages who are experiencing mental distress and require urgent support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by calling 0800 008 6516.
The Rethink Emotional Support Helpline is a freephone service for those in need of support, reassurance and understanding. It is open Monday to Friday from 6pm to 3am and weekends from 2pm to 3am on 0808 802 2208.
Wolverhampton Healthy Minds – for people experiencing common mental health problems such as depression, anxiety and stress – can be contacted on 0800 923 0222 or 01902 441856, by visiting Wolverhampton Healthy Minds or emailing wolverhampton.healthyminds@bcpft.nhs.uk.
The Kaleidoscope Midlands Suicide Bereavement Support Group offers a safe space for people aged over 18 who have lost someone to suicide. It meets on the first Tuesday of each month from 7.30pm to 9pm at Hope Place, 321 High Street, West Bromwich B70 8LU. It also runs a Parents Self Help Support Group for families caring for a young person who self harms. It also meets on the first Tuesday of the month at Hope Place, from 5.30pm to 7pm. For details, email sppark@kaleidoscopeplus.org.uk or call 07970 040016.
Meanwhile, a series of Suicide Prevention Awareness training sessions were recently delivered across the city, aimed at giving attendees the knowledge and skills in supporting someone who may be at risk. Over 350 individuals working across a range of local services accessed the training that was funded by the Better Mental Health programme.
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: “The council and its partners are committed to tackling stigma around mental health and suicide, and to highlight the help and support which is available to people who are going through a troubling period in their lives, and our message is clear; if you or someone you know is in a dark place, don’t suffer in silence – help and support is out there.”
Clare Dickens MBE, Chair of the Suicide Prevention Stakeholder Forum, added: “The Forum is a group of organisations across Wolverhampton who recognise suicide is preventable and want to make a difference to the people of Wolverhampton and, as we approach World Suicide Prevention Day 2022, I am reminded of just how multi faceted efforts within suicide prevention often have to be.
"A recent project conducted by the University of Wolverhampton and the City of Wolverhampton Council has demonstrated some of the buoyancy and community spirit of residents.
“We have seen groups come together in the face of adversity with a commitment to support one another during the pandemic, and I have found myself in awe of so many of them. Seeking that support can be one of the most difficult steps, but it is this kind of connection that can save lives. I would encourage anyone who is struggling to know that they matter and that there is support out there.”
World Suicide Prevention Day takes place on 10 September each year and is organised by International Association for Suicide Prevention and the World Health Organisation.
