A suicide action group is set to be launched which aims to bring people together who want to make a difference to high suicide rates across Cumbria.
On May 4, Every Life Matters will be launching Suicide Safer Allerdale.
Chris Wood, charity manager at Every Life Matters, a Cumbrian suicide prevention and suicide bereavement support charity, said: “Most people have been touched by suicide in their lives, whether that be through the death of a family member, friend, colleague, neighbour. It is a particularly traumatic form of loss and ripples right out across our communities.
“Since starting our charity three years ago, we have met so many people who want to do something about the issue, but often don’t know where to start. But there are actions we can all take to make a difference, whether large or small. Suicide is a complex issue, and there is no easy fix.
“To reduce suicides we need to break down the stigma around mental health and make reaching out for support at a time of crisis a normal thing to do – most people dying by suicide do not reach out for help. We need the community around that individual to better understand suicide, be able to talk openly about the issue and to understand that everyone can play a role in supporting someone at risk.
“We need safer services, which are accessible, compassionate and effective. And we need to ensure that there is support in place for all those bereaved or impacted by suicide.”
This launch meeting is for anyone living or working across Allerdale who wants to make a difference about suicide, and an opportunity to:
- Learn more about suicide and its impact in Cumbria
- Learn about some of the myths and facts about suicide and suicide prevention
- Find out what we can all do to play a part in preventing suicides
- Hear from people who have already taken action in their local community
- Meet others in the area who are keen to take action and make a difference
- Begin to plan a range of suicide prevention activities in your local area
People are encouraged to bring their ideas, their enthusiasm and the hope that everyone can make a difference.
A number of local guest speakers will also talk at the event about actions they have taken against suicide including Ben Snowdon, chief executive officer of the Cumberland Football Association, Neil Waine, project development champion for Andy’s man club, Jaqueline Pae of CHICCS Children in Crisis Cumbria Support and others.
The event will also host a variety of stalls where attendees can gather information about local services and resources to support those experiencing thoughts of suicide.
Ben Snowdon said: “We are pleased to be supporting Every Life Matters Cumbria at their upcoming Safer Allerdale event. As an organisation, we are acutely aware that a large percentage of our members may be impacted by this issue and therefore have worked in partnership with Every Life Matters – Cumbria to try and raise awareness within our clubs and leagues of the fact that talking about suicide can save lives and that its okay to reach out and ask for help.”
The figures
In 2020 70 people died by suicide in Cumbria. The county’s suicide rates have remained stubbornly higher than the national average. Every suicide is an individual tragedy, affecting a number of people directly and often many, many others indirectly. The impact of suicide can be devastating – psychologically, emotionally and economically – for all those affected.
Around three-quarters of people who die by suicide in England are not in contact with any mental health services in the year leading up to their death, meaning suicide prevention needs to be a community-wide concern.
It needs to be everyone’s business. It is friends, family, work colleagues, neighbours and the network of community and voluntary organisations – not just those in mental health services – who have an important part to play in saving lives.
This event is free to attend and will take place at Grasslot Welfare Sports & Social Club, Maryport. Refreshments will be provided.
Anyone wishing to attend is asked to register at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/suicide-safer-allerdale-action-group-tickets-311071171247
The event starts at 6.30pm on May 4.
