A series of drop-in sessions aiming to explore ways to reduce suicide rates in Cumbria are set to be held this month.
The drop-ins will be held in libraries across Cumberland between Tuesday 14 January and Friday 24 January.
It comes after a total of 303 people died by suspected suicide across Cumbria between January 2020 and December 2023 and of those deaths, a total of 56 per cent were in the Cumberland area.
The sessions are being held as part of The Big Question – a research project funded by the NDA and organised by Cumberland Council and Liverpool John Moores University.
It is aiming to better understand why suicide is prevalent in Cumberland, and to identify strategies that could be implemented to help reduce these numbers.
The project team are encouraging residents across Cumberland to attend the drop-in events, to respond to The Big Question survey, to provide their insights into this issue, and to put forward suggestions on how Cumberland Council can better support those affected by suicide.
The survey is open to anyone aged over 18 who lives in Cumberland and is open until 31 January 2025.
The team will be available at libraries across Cumberland on the following dates:
- Tuesday 14 January – Whitehaven Library (10am-6pm)
- Wednesday 15 January – Carlisle Library (10am-5.30pm)
- Thursday 16 January – Workington Library (10am-5pm)
- Friday 17 January – Wigton Library (10am-5pm)
- Tuesday 21 January – Cockermouth Library and Whitehaven Library (10am-4pm)
- Wednesday 22 January – Maryport Library (10am-5pm)
- Thursday 23 January – Workington Library (10am-5pm)
- Friday 24 January – Carlisle Library (10am-5.30pm)
All locations have private spaces available for anyone who would like to talk to the team or access the support and guidance of suicide prevention and suicide bereavement support charity, Every Life Matters.
Cumberland Council’s deputy leader and adults and community health portfolio holder, councillor Lisa Brown, said: “I would like to encourage residents from across Cumberland to provide their thoughts and insights on this issue.
“We must continue to improve suicide prevention action, not only to improve the support for those who have lost a loved one to suicide, but also make support more available and accessible to those who have suicidal thoughts.
“These events are a great way for residents to learn more about what we are aiming to achieve in this space, and to access the support of Every Life Matters”.
To complete The Big Question survey please click here: The Big Question: Understanding why suicide is prevalent in Cumberland
If you need to talk to someone urgently the Samaritans are available 24/7 on 116 123.
Mindline Cumbria also offers support and guidance about mental health over the phone on 0300 561 0000 or text ‘Mind’ to 81066. You can also go online and chat to trained professionals.
