Sunday 10 September marks World Suicide Prevention Day, and organisations across Coventry and Warwickshire will be coming together to raise awareness of the local and national support available to those who are struggling.
World Suicide Prevention Day occurs annually and is a time to spread hope to others, promote preventative measures, and raise awareness of suicide. An estimated 703,000 people a year take their life around the world and by raising awareness, reducing the stigma, and encouraging action we can help to reduce the instances of suicide.
Following on from the previous two years, this year’s theme is ‘Creating Hope Through Action’, which serves as a reminder to us that our actions, no matter how big or small, can make a difference to those who are struggling. It’s a reminder that through action, there is an alternative to suicide.
If you or anyone you know are struggling you can access free help and support 24/7:
- Confidential emotional support for residents across Coventry and Warwickshire: call 0800 616171
- Urgent crisis advice: call 111 or the NHS Mental Health Access Hubs on 08081 966 798
- Specific Information for Children and Young People, Rise Crisis & Home Treatment Team 08081 966798 (select Option 2)”
“The Dear Life website is a tool to support anyone impacted by suicide whether you need support for someone you are worried about or you need support for yourself. You’re not alone, there is help out there and we would encourage anyone struggling or in need of advice to reach out and use the support available to them.”
Suicide is preventable through education and intervention, which is why raising awareness and embedding suicide prevention actions is a public health priority.
Free online training courses are available to teach you the skills and confidence to have a potentially life-saving conversation with someone you’re worried about. To find out more, visit Zero Suicide Alliance website .
The mental health challenges that we face differ throughout different stages of our life. Wellbeing For Life has put together a life course map resource, which provides specific advice and resources suitable for various different situations, such as starting secondary school, pregnancy or retirement.
There are lots of available services that can be accessed for anyone who is struggling:
- NHS Mental Health Access Hub Freephone 08081 966798 – 24/7 service
- Coventry and Warwickshire RISE (Children and young people’s mental health service) Freephone 08081 966798 (select Option 2) – 24/7 service
- Mental Health Matters Coventry and Warwickshire call 0800 616 171, free 24/7 and confidential helpline
- The Samaritans call 116 123
- Amparo provides free and confidential support for those bereaved by suicide
- YoungMinds Crisis Messenger: text YM to 85258
- Papyrus Hopeline UK suicide prevention helpline: call 0800 068 4141 or text 07860 039967
- Kooth.com is available to 11 to 25 year olds across Coventry and Warwickshire, providing an anonymous online counselling and support service. Throughout September they are holding a number of events and activities.
- Stay Alive app provides help for those at risk of suicide and people worried about someone
- Dimensions of Health and Wellbeing Tool offers immediate tailored self-help support and signposting to local services
- Chat Health is a free service that enables 11–18-year-olds across Coventry and Warwickshire to send confidential SMS text messages to School Nurses who will provide impartial advice and support.
- For Warwickshire, text 07507 331 525
- For Coventry, text 07507 331 949
- Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull Talking Therapies (previously IAPT) for anyone with low mood, depression or anxiety. Call 024 7667 1090 or visit healthymindservice.com/self-referral
- Warwickshire County Council
- Coventry City Council
- Wellbeing for Life is a campaign to provide information on how people can improve and take care of their health and wellbeing, plus find out more about the 5 Ways to Wellbeing.