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 a dialogue around this complex issue.
The theme for this year’s campaign is changing the narrative around suicide with a call to action to ‘Start the Conversation’, encouraging individuals, communities, and organisations to engage in open and honest discussions about mental health and suicide.
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, said: “Starting a conversation can break down barriers and raise awareness, share personal stories and encourage anyone who needs support to use of mental health resources and support services.
“Every conversation, no matter how small, contributes to a more supportive and understanding society, and helps highlight the help and support which is available to people who are going through a troubling period in their lives.
“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.”
The Suicide Prevention Stakeholder Forum is hosting a series of events in the Urban Rooms/01902 Shop in Queen Square, Wolverhampton, from tomorrow to Sunday (15 September), alongside a photography exhibition themed around What Makes You Happy.
Tomorrow and Wednesday (10 and 11 September) the shop will be open to the public from 11am to 4pm and local support services will be in attendance for anyone who wishes to find out more. There will also be a formal launch of the exhibition at noon tomorrow.
On Wednesday lunchtime there will be a walk from the shop to The University of Wolverhampton starting at noon, while on Thursday (12 September) there will be a poetry event with food and drink from noon to 2pm with people invited to bring along their own poems to share or simply listen to poetry readings. There will also be a mini poetry workshop.
On Friday (13 September), there will be a walk from the shop to the Chapel Ash roundabout from noon exploring new art for a forthcoming art trail map to be launched in the city.
Meanwhile, 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 Rethink 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.
Alternatively for urgent advice you can contact NHS 111 and select Option 2 for mental health advice.
If you are having thoughts of suicide or are concerned for a young person who might be you can contact HOPELINE247 for confidential support and practical advice. Call 0800 068 4141, text 88247 or email pat@papyrus-uk.org. For more information, please visit Papyrus.
Wolverhampton Talking Therapies – for people experiencing common mental health problems such as depression, anxiety and stress – can be contacted on 0800 923 0222 or 01902 441856 or bchft.wolverhamptontalkingtherapies@nhs.net.
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.
Rethink Support After Suicide offer support for close family members including children and young people who are bereaved by suicide. Their service offers One to one practical support, Suicide Bereavement Counselling and Bereavement Peer Support Groups.
People can refer themselves or someone else by calling the Black Country 24/7 helpline on 0800 008 6516 or email blackcountrysupportaftersuicide@rethink.org.
Look Out for Wolverhampton is the city’s ongoing Suicide Prevention Awareness campaign. Please visit Look Out for Wolverhampton.
Clare Dickens, MBE, Chair of the Suicide Prevention Stakeholder Forum, said: “The Forum is a group of organisations across Wolverhampton who recognise suicide can be prevented and highlight ways to make a difference to the people of Wolverhampton.
“Our work spans a continuum that recognises the pain that can often be left behind following a death by suicide, and the support we owe to those who are affected. Kindness and a commitment to listen are good starting points.”
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.
