Wolverhampton’s Suicide Prevention Stakeholder Forum used 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.
It hosted a pop-up shop in Queen Square where people could speak to representatives from local support services and enjoy a photography exhibition themed around What Makes You Happy and a poetry session.
There were also wellbeing walks, while City of Wolverhampton councillors and others received suicide prevention awareness training from Clare Dickens MBE, the chair of the forum.
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, said: “The theme of this year's event was to 'Start the Conversation', which encourages us to engage in open and honest discussions about mental health and suicide. 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.
"Together we can contribute to breaking down the barriers and perceived shame that can deter those in distress from seeking help. Together we can make Wolverhampton a city that with absolute conviction can offer our residents opportunity and hope, and the newly launched City of Wolverhampton Suicide Prevention Strategy underpins this.
“Our message is one of hope; if you or someone you know is in a dark place, don’t suffer in silence – help and support is out there.”
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 UK.
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.
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.
