Free training sessions to help give people confidence to discuss suicide and support those in need will take place in South Cumbria.
Organised by Every Life Matters, the one-hour sessions will be held in Ulverston.
In 2023, the Westmorland and Furness Council area had the 10th highest rate of suicide deaths in England.
To address this, suicide prevention charity Every Life Matters is reaching out to community groups, workplaces, churches, sports clubs, and friends who can provide a venue for groups of five or more.
Safer Communities Worker, Shaun Blezard, will lead the sessions, which cover myths and facts about suicide, how to spot if someone you know might be feeling suicidal, how to talk to them and where they can get help.
Shaun said: “Think of it as basic first aid for helping someone with thoughts of suicide.”
Shaun will also be available after the session to address questions or concerns.
The sessions are a mixture of in-person and online and free places can be booked at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/ulverston-sessions-4240233
The first sessions are:
- May 28, 1pm – Online
- June 3, 6pm – Online
- June 4, 1.30pm – Croftlands Community Centre
- June 10, 6pm – The Spot
More are being booked along with sessions happening at workplaces and community groups.
Anyone who has a group or workplace in Ulverston who would like to book a free session can contact Shaun or send a message to Every Life Matters via social media platforms.
For more information, visit www.every-life-matters.org.uk/suicide-prevention-training/
