Bolton is supporting World Suicide Prevention Day on Thursday 10 September.
Bolton is supporting World Suicide Prevention Day on Thursday 10th September and is calling on people to notice the signs of people at risk and overcoming the taboo of talking to them about suicidal feelings and ways to get professional help.
Partner organisations across Bolton are asking for people to keep an eye for their family, friends and neighbours and check in on someone they may be concerned about, listen to what they say, how they say it and show them kindness and support and how to seek professional help when needed.
Covid-19 has had a global effect and also impacted communities across Bolton and it is particularly important at this time to focus on protecting both our mental as well as physical health.
The stress people face in their daily lives has increased substantially and the World Suicide Prevention Day aims to shine a light on the issue, reducing the stigma surrounding it, encouraging people to talk about what many see as at taboo subject and providing effective support and advice to this who most need it.
Bolton Council, NHS including the Greater Manchester Mental Health Trust, and voluntary organisations are supporting the World Suicide Prevention day to save lives and promote more positive mental health.
Together they are have a agreed a strategy to support suicide prevention and are promoting positive mental health across the region, preventing mental illness and suicide and improving the quality of life of people living with mental illness.
World Suicide Prevention Day is an effective way of raising the issue but suicide prevention and promotion is needed every day of the year and its everybody’s responsibility including local business, organisations, club and associations plus friends, family and neighbours.
Suicide remains a taboo subject, but the recent ‘Shining a light on suicide’ campaign has helped raise awareness of how talking about suicide can help as high profile personalities and local people have shared their experiences to show that it is good to talk.
Councillor Susan Baines, Executive Cabinet Member for Wellbeing said: “The World Suicide Prevention Day is important in raising the awareness of the large amount of support that is available.
“While it may seem a taboo subject, during Covid more people are feeling alone and isolated so if you notice anyone struggling please check they are okay and seek professional help if needed.”
“About one in five people experience suicidal thoughts in their lifetime so people shouldn’t be put off talking to someone and asking for help if they feel this way.”
“Remember, suicide has a devastating effect on families, friends, colleagues and people who work in support services so ask for help.”
Find help advice and more information visit www.shiningalightonsuicide.org.uk
For Children and Young People - www.bekindtomymind.co.uk
Single Point Of Access (SPOA) – If you need help with anxiety or depression then please contact SPOA on 01204 483101 or via their online portal –https://www.iaptportal.co.uk/bolt.html
Further information is available in the leaflet.