Alex Fell is a dedicated Peer Worker in the Open Mental Health Mind in Somerset Suicide Prevention Project, where his lived experiences and compassionate approach help people experiencing suicidal feelings. Alex works in a similar way to a Recovery and Wellbeing Worker but with people who have a low to medium risk of suicidal ideation. High-risk clients are supported by the Community Mental Health Team.
Alex explains that it was inspiration from being supported in his own mental health recovery that motivated him to work in suicide prevention. “I was very unwell myself. Luckily, I received mental health support from the NHS Foundation Trust and Mind in Somerset. I could see the importance of using my story and experiences to help others.”
Alex’s lived experience gives him an insight into the struggles faced by people grappling with suicidal thoughts. “The peer suicide prevention service would have been a help to me. Working with a peer worker who had been through similar things and could support and inspire positive change. So I am very proud to be able to offer and provide this service to individuals needing the same help that at one point I needed myself.”
Alex’s perspective, framed by his own recovery journey, is rooted in empathy and solidarity. He explains why the Suicide Prevention Project is so important: “It offers a non-clinical space with fair boundaries to give people who have been feeling suicidal or have had previous suicidal thoughts an environment to share and work on their feelings, thoughts or fears. The project supports people to evoke change; this can be through one-to-one discussions, and we could incorporate a safety plan or look to connect with partners within Open Mental Health or externally.”
In Alex’s work, building trust and rapport is vital, “I feel in general this takes time, certainly when you feel or have felt suicidal, but offering the correct environment, whether that’s a support room, online or via phone, explaining how the sessions are run and providing a structured peer background, without oversharing my peer journey, helps.”
Alex is committed to providing a safe space for people to share their experiences and emotions. “An Individual a little while ago, who wasn’t keen on services, reluctantly joined. They had lost their partner to suicide and had given up their dream of university. They worked on their feelings and personal safety, also looking at their wellbeing. They returned to university, and I believe are on the way to graduating. They mentioned this would not be possible without the support of the project.”
How to Contact Open Mental Health
If you or someone you know needs support, call Mindline Somerset anytime, day or night, on 01823 276 892 or freephone 0800 138 1692. If you need help urgently, Crisis Safe Space is an out-of-hours service for anyone really struggling with their mental health. Instead of going to A&E, making a doctor’s appointment or suffering in silence, you can arrange a one-to-one session with a member of the Crisis Safe Space, who will be willing to listen and able to help. Call the numbers above or book an appointment online.