It’s World Suicide Prevention Day on Thursday 10 September and Knowsley Council is supporting the call to action which is “Start the conversation” and challenge harmful myths, reduce stigma, and encourage open, compassionate conversations about suicide prevention.
It is about shifting from silence and misunderstanding to openness, empathy, and support, creating environments where people feel able to speak up and seek help.
The council is also encouraging everyone to take part in Zero Suicide Alliance’s 30 minute online training session. This free session gives people essential skills and knowledge around suicide prevention, how to talk to someone who may be experiencing thoughts of suicide and how to encourage them to ask for help. Find out more here.
One in 5 of us will struggle with thoughts of suicide in our lifetime. But the stigma attached to suicide and asking for help can prevent people from getting the support they need.
Cllr Christine Bannon, Knowsley Cabinet Member for Health, said “It’s really important to know that you’re not alone and help and support is available. If you, or someone you know, is struggling with their mental health and having thoughts of self-harm or suicide, please do ask for help.”
Help and support
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 NHS 111 and select the mental health option.
Help and support is also available from Evolving Mindset, who provide a wide range of mental health and well-being projects across Merseyside. You can find out more here.
The agencies below can offer support to help look after your own mental health or if you are concerned about someone you know.
Samaritans – a safe place to talk 24/7 about whatever is troubling you.
Call 116 123. Visit the Samaritans website
Talking Therapies – NHS support for people with common mental health problems such as anxiety or depression. Talking therapies can help you change the way you feel by changing the way you think. Online therapy, accessible 24/7, with weekly online support from a therapist. Six week course designed to help you develop practical skills to manage your mood. Visit the Mersey Care Website and search talking therapies.
Listening Ear – counselling support for people of all ages.
Call 0151 488 6648. Visit the Listening Ear website.
Suicide Bereavement Service for Cheshire and Merseyside – confidential support for anyone affected by suicide loss.
Visit the Martin Gallier Project website. Call 0151 644 0294, between 9.30 am to 4.30 pm, 7 days a week.
Kind to your mind – this website provides access to a range of support services, apps and online courses designed to help improve mental health and wellbeing of people who live or work in Cheshire and Merseyside.
Visit the Kind To Your Mind website.
Hub of Hope – online mental health support directory for the UK.
Visit the Hub of Hope website.
Every Mind Matters – this NHS website offers expert advice, practical tips and personalised action plans to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing.
Visit Every Mind Matters website.
There’s also a range of targeted support for children and young people including:-
Knowsley Open Gateway Service (KOGS) – ensures children, young people and their families are guided to the right support at the right time.
Visit Knowsley Open Gateway website.
Zuntold – online and face to face counselling and support using the power of creative writing and books as therapy. Available for young people aged 11-19 and up to age 25 for those with additional needs.
Visit the Zuntold website.
Listening Ear – provides face to face counselling support for people of all ages including children and young people. Butterflies project supports people who have experienced loss, bereavement or separation. DiAmond project offers specialist counselling service for children, young people and adults who have been affected by domestic abuse.
Call 0151 488 6648. Visit Listening Ear website.
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. Your GP, health visitor, social worker or school health advisor will be able to refer you into this specialist service.
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 www.addvancedsolutions.co.uk website.
Young Minds – offers practical tips and advice 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 also get advice from the confidential helpline.
Call 0808 802 5544. Visit the Young Minds website.
For trusted health information and access to local support services to help you improve your health, visit www.healthyknowsley.co.uk