Having suicidal thoughts isn’t uncommon and can affect anyone, but recovery is possible; there are steps we can take to support someone to stay safe, and with support, people can feel more hopeful and in control of their lives.
The theme of World Suicide Prevention Day on the 10th of September is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”, with a call to “Start the Conversation”.
Suicide is a subject we are often reluctant to discuss. People sometimes fear that talking about suicide increases the risk someone might act on their thoughts. But speaking openly actually reduces the risk.
There’s information on our website to help you better understand the issue, what to do if you’re worried about someone, and how to talk about suicide. Public Health Somerset has resources available, too, including posters and pocket-sized leaflets, to help people start conversations about suicide.
If you’re having thoughts about wanting to end your life, compassionate help is only a phone call away. You can call Mindline Somerset for advice and support locally on 01823 276892 or freephone 0800 138 1692.
Our webpage about suicidal thoughts can help you recognise suicidal thinking and has more details on how to get help for yourself or someone you’re concerned about.
Reducing Stigma and Raising Awareness in Somerset
This year’s theme is an opportunity to lessen the stigma sometimes attached to suicide and let people know that supportive conversations can help prevent it. Stigma might stop someone from seeking help and can make people reluctant to raise the issue. But asking if someone is okay won’t make them feel worse, and talking can help.
So, it is time to change the story and empower ourselves to talk about suicide candidly and make everyone aware of the support that’s on offer in Somerset.
You may feel unprepared to speak about suicide and not know what to say. That’s understandable, but the resources on our website and Public Health Somerset’s World Suicide Prevention Day Leaflet can help guide your conversation in a productive and compassionate way. The Samaritans have information on how to offer support as well.
In all cases, if you feel someone’s life is at immediate risk due to suicidal thoughts, or you suspect they have seriously harmed themselves, get urgent medical help. Call 999 for an ambulance or go straight to A&E.
Walk for a Life
The Walk for a Life event, held on Saturday, 7th September 2024, is an example of how suicide can be addressed in an open and supportive way. Participants gathered to remember those lost to suicide, raise awareness, and encourage and empower people in Somerset to take action to prevent it.
Suicide is a complex issue. Usually, it isn’t a single event or reason that leads a person to take their own life. More often, a combination of individual, community, and societal factors heightens a person’s risk.
On the Walk for a Life website, you’ll find resources that can help you understand suicide better and the details of other organisations that support people experiencing suicidal thoughts.
This is the third year of the Walk for a Life event for World Suicide Prevention Day, and we will cover it in greater detail in a forthcoming blog post.
The Somerset Suicide Prevention Partnership
Suicide is sometimes associated with treatable mental health conditions, overwhelming stress, or life challenges that can be addressed with the proper support. Open conversations and timely access to mental health resources can reduce the risk, while strong, supportive communities where people have learned to recognise warning signs and know how to offer compassionate guidance ensure that someone experiencing suicidal thoughts knows they aren’t alone and that help is available.
The Somerset Suicide Prevention Partnership has developed a draft multi-agency Suicide Prevention Strategy for Somerset based on the eight priority areas for action highlighted in the national suicide prevention strategy for England.
The draft strategy has been open for consultation since July 2024 and will be finalised and published this month. It aims to reduce the number of deaths by suicide in Somerset and ensure support is available and accessible both for people who self-harm and those bereaved by suicide.
Peer Suicide Prevention Project
OMH’s Peer Suicide Prevention Project forms part of Somerset’s wider suicide prevention strategy. Peer Support workers use their own lived experience to work with clients. Weekly, hour-long, face-to-face sessions provide support for three to six months.
Their work is person-centred and can include creating safety plans for those in deep distress, Wellbeing Recovery Action Plans (WRAPs) and the Five Ways to Wellbeing as part of the journey to hope and recovery.
The Orange Button Scheme
The Orange Button scheme is a support network for people experiencing suicidal thoughts across Somerset or for those worried about someone they know. The orange button is a visible symbol that identifies people who have completed quality-assured mental health or suicide prevention training.
The idea is that anyone can ‘push the button’ if they are having suicidal thoughts by approaching an Orange Button wearer and asking them for information and support.
Publicly funded training courses are available to those who’d like to become Orange Button holders, including ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) and Mental Health First Aid (MHFA).
Training to Make a Difference
Other courses are available too for anyone who wants to help prevent suicides in Somerset. Why not check out Somerset’s Mental Health Training Offer and equip yourself with knowledge and awareness that can literally save a life?
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.