World Suicide Prevention Day 2022
These events have been postponed until further notice
Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is raising awareness and reducing stigma in the lead up to World Suicide Prevention Day
World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) takes place on 10 September. Across England, 13 people die each day from suicide. Often someone who is experiencing suicidal thoughts won’t reach out for support, with men three times more likely to die from suicide than women.
This World Suicide Prevention Day, NHFT is partnering with the Samaritans, Northampton Filmhouse, the Grosvenor shopping centre and Northampton Town Football Club to raise awareness of suicide prevention and tackle the stigma around the subject.
The activities start on Friday 2 September where Lisa Pearson, Suicide Prevention Lead and Andy Willis, NHFT Involvee with lived experience, will be delivering Suicide Prevention training to staff and players at Northampton Town Football club. Further training sessions will be delivered across the week to NHFT staff and colleagues at West and North Northants Councils.
On Saturday 3 September, a range of NHFT services and the Samaritans will be at Northampton Town Football Club before their home game with Barrow. Staff will be available from 12.30 – 3.30pm outside the stadium to talk with members of the public, to offer advice and support and raise awareness of mental health topics including suicide prevention.
Finally, on Saturday 10 September, staff from NHFT will be in the pop-up shop in the Grosvenor Centre in Northampton from 9am-1pm to talk to offer advice and support. Following this, at 1.30pm, there will be a showing of the film, “Dear Evan Hansen”, at the Errol Flynn Filmhouse priced at £2.50. After the film there will be a Q&A session around suicide prevention and awareness in Northamptonshire, with the aim of generating a conversation around what more can be done to support our communities.
Representatives from across Northamptonshire are welcome to come along, watch the film, take part in the discussions, and learn about the wider work of the countywide Suicide Prevention steering group. Booking is required in advance for the film and panel discussion.
We can all do our bit to help to prevent suicide. The Zero Suicide Alliance Prevention training can be completed online at any time and can help to provide a better understanding of the signs to look out for and the skills required to approach someone who is struggling, whether that be with social isolation or suicidal thoughts. The training is completely free and only takes 20 minutes. By taking this small step, we can help to create hope through action.
Anne Rackham, Director of Mental Health at Northamptonshire Healthcare Foundation Trust said: “Every death by suicide is a death too many. We can all take small steps to be more aware of the signs to look out for, and to support those around us. The free online Zero Suicide Alliance Prevention training is free online and only takes 20 minutes to complete.
“This world suicide prevention day, I encourage everyone to ask your friends how they are and give space for an answer. Check on friends and loved ones and if someone you know is struggling, let them know about our services and encourage them to seek help. Our mental health number operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, ready to take calls from anyone at any time.
“At Northamptonshire Healthcare Foundation Trust, we have a range of services to support individuals with varying levels of need, from crisis support through to low or moderate level mental health concerns. If you, or someone you know is experiencing mental health concerns, please reach out for support so that we can ensure our trained professionals provide you with the best possible care and support.”
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or feel as though you want to end your life, please know that there is support available ready to help you.
Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (NHFT) provides community and mental health services across the county. NHFT and Mind provide 24-hour mental health support any time of the day or night. Call 0800 448 0828, lines are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If you are in a crisis or in need of face-to-face mental health support, join us at one of our drop-in cafes. Check opening times and find a café near you.“Espresso yourself” cafes are also available for young people aged 11-18, across the county.
If you have been feeling low for some time, this could be a sign that you need some support with your mental wellbeing to get you back on track. “IAPT Talking Therapies” Northamptonshire will work with you to put a plan in place. Take the first step today by completing our online form