A charity supporting people with thoughts of suicide and self-harm say mental health problems are ‘at an all time high’
The Cumbria suicide prevention charity Every Life Matters Cumbria, in collaboration with North East and North Cumbria Suicide Prevention Network, have started distributing Suicide Prevention Resource Tins across north Cumbria.
The materials are designed to help both yourself and others who are struggling with mental health.
Distribution underway
Distribution is now taking place across north Cumbria and resource tins will be held at frequently accessed community locations, such as pharmacies, colleges, police stations and community centres. Host organisations will also be offered training in suicide intervention skills, and will be responsible for ensuring resources are available to those who need them.
Thoughts of suicide are a common response to challenging life circumstances and can affect anyone from any walk of life. One in 17 people will have thoughts of suicide each year. They are more common than we think, and while having thoughts of suicide doesn’t mean we will necessarily act on those thoughts, we do need to take them very seriously.
The resource tins contain a variety of resources aimed at those who are really struggling with their current situation, to the point where they are having thoughts of suicide or urges to self-harm. They give information about where to get help, how to help others, how to create safety plans, and basic information about thoughts of suicide and self-harm.
Every Life matters, who are responsible for the distribution of the Resource Tins across the area are keen to ensure clearly accessible support is available for anyone who may be struggling.
Ian Alcock, community coordinator at Every Life Matters, said: “This project is about empowering our communities to make those lifesaving interventions and know where to access the right resources, at the right time, truly can make all the difference for people dealing with thoughts of suicide. We have got used to seeing defibrillators widely across our county now at public venues.
“Having quick access to offer someone information about where to get help when they are having thoughts of suicide can give real hope, and in some cases like defibrillators, may save lives.”
Resources Tins can be ordered by organisations across Allerdale, Copeland, Carlisle or Eden by visiting www.every-life-matters.org.uk or e-mailing info@every-life-matters.org.uk. Top up materials will be available to order through Every Life Matters website.
Janine Ward, managing director of Together We Talk said: “These tins are very needed in a time where mental health problems are at an all time high and we (Together We Talk) are seeing increases in referrals.
“The idea of having first aid kits for mental health fills me with hope for people being able to get the right support and take the steps they need to keep themselves well and supported. Every Life Matters have done a great job with these and we will be keeping one in each of our locations for talk and the new North Cumbria Recovery College.”
Katherine McGleenan, North East and north Cumbria suicide prevention lead, said: “Understanding how to look after our own mental health and wellbeing, how to help others we may be concerned about, and how and where to get help should be given the same priority as knowing how to manage our physical health. However, this is not always easy, partly due to the stigma.
“The Network resource tins have been developed to help more people have easier access to the right information early. I hope that this will help more people find the information and support they need, and to prevent people feeling they have no other option than to consider suicide.”
