It’s World Suicide Prevention Day on Sunday 10 September and people in Knowsley are being reminded of the help available for those who may be struggling with their mental health, may be considering or have self-harmed, or are experiencing suicidal thoughts.
Stay Alive app
Residents are encouraged to download the Stay Alive app which could help save the life of someone in a suicidal crisis.
The app is a pocket-sized suicide prevention resource which provides accessible support including a safety plan and LifeBox where people can upload images or videos that remind them of their reasons to stay alive. The app is designed to help both those who are having suicidal thoughts and those who are concerned about someone else and is available for free on both iOS and Android devices.
NO MORE Suicide website
The NO MORE Suicide website offers support options for those who may be in suicidal crisis, or people who are concerned someone else may be considering suicide.
Creating a safety plan can help keep people safe when suicidal thoughts arise. It’s a useful way to offer hope in finding a way forward. The website has safety plan templates which can be downloaded, completed and kept in a safe, memorable place to refer at a time when thoughts of suicide may occur.
The website is also a prevention resource providing information on suicide prevention programmes taking place across Cheshire & Merseyside including men’s mental health community programmes.
If you or someone you know are in mental health crisis and no longer feel able to cope or be in control of your situation and need urgent help, you can call the NHS Mental Health crisis line. NHS staff will then support you to get the help you need.
Available 24/7, for people of all ages, including children and young people. Call freephone 0800 051 1508
Cllr Christine Bannon, Knowsley Cabinet Member for Health, said:
“It’s always okay to ask for help. If you, or someone you know, is struggling with their mental health and having thoughts of self-harm or suicide, you are not alone, there are resources and services that can help.
“The Stay Alive app could help you if you are having suicidal thoughts or could help save the life of someone in suicidal crisis so, please download it on to your phone.”
Support helplines and services for Adults
The agencies below can offer support to help look after your own mental health or if you are concerned about someone you know.
- Shout – offers confidential 24/7 text messaging support for times when you need immediate support. Trained volunteers can help with issues such as stress, anxiety and depression and will work with you to take your next steps towards feeling better. Text the word “REACH” to 85258. Visit giveusashout.org
- Samaritans – a safe place to talk 24/7 about whatever is troubling you. Call 116 123. Visit www.samaritans.org/
- Qwell – online chat-based support available 24/7. Booked and drop-in anonymous chat sessions from midday to 10 pm weekdays and 6 pm to 10 pm on weekends with professional counsellors. Self-help resources and peer to peer support forums and lots of helpful content also available. Visit qwell.io
- Talking Therapies – free NHS therapy for people with common mental health problems such as anxiety or depression, to help you change the way you feel by changing the way you think. Online therapy available 24/7, with weekly online support from your therapist. Six-week course also available to help you to develop skills to manage your mood. Visit merseycare.nhs.uk and search talking therapies.
- Listening Ear – provides counselling support for people of all ages. Call 0151 488 6648 Visit https://listening-ear.co.uk
- Silver Line – free, confidential telephone service for those aged 55 and over, provides friendship, conversation and support 24/7. Call 0800 470 8090 or visit thesilverline.org.uk/
- AMPARO – free confidential support for anyone affected by suicide. Call 0330 088 9255 or visit amparo.org.uk/
- The Hub of Hope is a national mental health database bringing local and national mental health support and services together in one place. Download the free app or visit hubofhope.co.uk
- Every Mind Matters NHS website – offers expert advice, practical tips and personalised action plans from the NHS to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing. Visit Every Mind Matters – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Support helplines and services for Children and Young people
The agencies below can offer support to help you look after your own mental health or if you are concerned about someone you know.
- Kooth – provides online support and counselling, information, advice and support for young people in secondary schools. Visit www.kooth.com or speak to your child’s school.
- Listening Ear – provides face to face counselling support for people of all ages including children and young people. Call 0151 488 6648. Visit https://listening-ear.co.uk
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) works with young people up to the age of 18 who have emotional, behavioural or mental health difficulties which are causing difficulties in their school, family or social life. Speak to your GP, health visitor, social worker or school health advisor who will be able to refer you into this specialist service.
- Papyrus – is for people under the age of 35 who are experiencing thoughts of suicide, or anyone concerned about a young person. Call 0800 068 4141 or visit papyrus-uk.org
- DiAmond – for children and young people who have been affected by domestic abuse and require support for their mental and emotional wellbeing. Call 0151 488 6648. Visit Emotional Support for Domestic Abuse – Listening Ear Merseyside (listening-ear.co.uk).
- Butterflies – for children and young people who require mental and emotional support following bereavement, loss or separation. Call 0151 488 6648. Visit Affected by Bereavement & Loss – Listening Ear Merseyside (listening-ear.co.uk).
- ADDvanced Solutions– provides support for children, young people and their families living with neurodevelopmental conditions, specific learning difficulties and associated mental health needs. Call 0151 486 1788. Visit addvancedsolutions.co.uk
- Young Minds website – offers lots of practical tips and advice and real-life stories from other young people who have struggled with their mental health. Parents and carers who are concerned about their child’s mental health up to the age of 25 can get advice from the confidential helpline – call 0808 802 5544. You can also access webchat and email advice via the website youngminds.org.uk