Bradford District and Craven Mind supports World Suicide Prevention Day

What is World Suicide Prevention Day and why does it matter?

Every year organisations and communities around the world come together to raise awareness of how we can create a world where fewer people die by suicide.

Each and every life lost to suicide is a tragedy. And we know that suicide is preventable, it’s not inevitable. But not being okay is still widely stigmatised. We can still do more to prevent suicide.

Each year has a different theme and focus, to bring to light a specific aspect of suicide prevention. Today is World Suicide Prevention Day 2020 and the theme this year is ‘Working Together to Prevent Suicide’. This year, due to the pandemic and lockdown, it is more important than ever to let people know that they can get support if they are feeling suicidal or have lost someone. Our services and other mental health and wellbeing services in the district are still here to help. 

Here at Bradford District and Craven Mind, we work with many organisations to provide a range of mental health services, and always strive to reach more people more often. We work with amazing partners including Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust and The Cellar Trust, to help support people in mental health crisis through our district’s safe space support. Click here to find out more about our safe space, The Sanctuary.

Get help now:

If you are thinking about suicide, or if you need urgent help with your mental health, please call First Response on 0800 952 1181. The line is open all day, every day. Please do pick up the phone if you need help. We’re here for you.

For those grieving the loss of a loved, one our thoughts are with you. We understand the devastating impact that suicide has on individuals, families and communities. You can talk to one of our Guide-Line workers over the phone, on 01274 594 594. The line is open midday to midnight, every day.

To start to understand more about suicidal thoughts and feelings, there is useful information on this page at healthyminds.services.

How to support someone who is feeling suicidal:

• Listen without judgement, stay calm and don’t overreact.
• Be aware it’s not your job to take away the pain or make it better. All you can do is be there, even if you don’t know what to say.
• Encourage them to open up and help them identify someone they trust who they could talk to and who can help them find support. 
• Help them build up a wider support network so they know who to contact 24/7 if they’re struggling, such as First Response, The Samaritans, Childline or the YoungMinds Crisis Messenger.
• Make sure you talk to someone too. If you’re trying to support a friend who’s been thinking about suicide, that information can be a heavy burden to carry alone so share your feelings with someone you trust.

Posted on: 10th September 2020