World Suicide Prevention Day - 10 September 2024

On World Suicide Prevention Day, Stratford-on-Avon District Council is announcing that it has secured funding to support the training of front-line workers who are most likely to be working with or encounter those at greatest risk of suicides or attempted suicides.

The District Council has secured £6,000 from the Place Partnership - Coventry and Warwickshire Suicide Prevention Programme to deliver one of its Growing Opportunities Plan outcomes, to deliver this training of front-line professionals.

The Coventry and Warwickshire Suicide Prevention Strategy identify the following as high risk:

• Men
• People who self-harm
• People who misuse alcohol and drugs
• People in the care of mental health services
• People in contact with the criminal justice systems
• Specific occupational groups eg doctors, nurses, veterinary workers, farmers and agricultural workers

Cllr Liz Coles, Housing and Customer Services Portfolio Holder said: "Suicide is a distressing topic, but nevertheless an important one and I very much welcome the Council's efforts to take training into the heart of our South Warwickshire communities and attempt to skill up those frontline workers most likely to encounter residents battling suicidal thoughts. 

"We hope that this message resonates on World Suicide Prevention Day and that frontline workers take the opportunity to join this training where invited.  By talking more openly about suicide, we can give people the chance to express how they feel and get the support they need. It could even save a life." 

This year's awareness day on Tuesday 10 September, has the theme 'Changing the narrative on suicide' with the call to action, '#Start the Conversation'.  This theme aims to raise awareness about the importance of reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations to prevent suicides.

If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health or feeling suicidal, please don't hesitate to ask for help by contacting the Samaritans on 116 123 or by emailing jo@samaritans.org. 

Other services available that can be accessed for anyone who is struggling include Papyrus Hopeline UK suicide prevention helpline: call 0800 068 4141 or text 88247.

Warwickshire County Council also have suicide prevention information on their website - Suicide prevention - Warwickshire County Council and a dedicated advice website, Dear Life www.dearlife.org.uk