Local organisations are working together to prevent suicides
Derbyshire County Council is joining the NHS, local charities and organisations in supporting World Suicide Prevention Day which is on 10 September 2018.
This year the theme is ‘Working Together to Prevent Suicide’.
The effects of suicide can be far reaching and long lasting, that’s why professionals, community groups, volunteers and individuals are working together to reduce the risks of suicide.
As part of the suicide prevention work in Derbyshire there will be events held at 2 professional matches – Derby County FC and Chesterfield FC. Awareness raising events will also be held at 3 non-league matches – Alfreton Town, Belper Town and Sheffield FC.
Saturday 8 September 2018
- Alfreton Town v Guiseley at the Impact Arena. Kick-off is at 3pm.
- Chesterfield FC v Dover Athletic at the Proact Stadium. Kick-off is at 3pm.
Saturday 15 September 2018
- Belper Town v Cleethorpes Town at Christchurch Meadow. Kick-off is at 3pm.
- Sheffield FC v Gresley FC at Sheffield Football Club. Kick-off is at 3pm.
Tuesday 18 September 2018
- Derby County v Blackburn Rovers at Pride Park. Kick-off is at 7.45pm.
Representatives from the Samaritans, Rethink, Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Derbyshire Mental Health Forum and other mental health organisations will be raising awareness about suicide prevention. There will be activities to engage fans as well as information and support to those who may need it.
Councillor Carol Hart, Cabinet Member for Health and Communities said:
“We know that the reasons why someone may choose to take their own life can be extremely complex and people may be afraid to raise the subject for fear of not knowing what to say or do to help.
“But we can all make a difference to someone who may be suffering emotional distress. There are several things that we can do if someone confides that they are feeling suicidal.
“Stay calm, listen, take them seriously and encourage them to speak to a health professional.”
Dr Allan Johnston, a consultant psychiatrist at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and chair of the trust’s suicide prevention group said:
“It’s really positive that Derbyshire County Council, Derbyshire Healthcare and other local organisations are once again joining forces for World Suicide Prevention Day.
“The theme this year is working together to prevent suicide and that couldn’t be more appropriate for Derbyshire this year, when hundreds of volunteers will be reaching out to football fans at 5 different matches across the county.
“One of our key messages will be that we must all work together to prevent suicide: that we have to look out for one another and support our friends, relatives, co-workers and neighbours.
“If one of us notices a change in the behaviour of someone we know well – perhaps they’ve become withdrawn or anxious, or they’re saying that they can’t see a way out of their problems – we can make a difference by encouraging them to seek help and showing them that they matter to us.
“And when one of us meets a stranger in distress, a simple conversation or just a kind smile could go a long way in making a connection and demonstrating that someone cares.”
The World Suicide Prevention Day matches are being delivered in partnership with Derby County Football Club, Chesterfield Football Club and the Spireites Trust, the Samaritans, Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Derbyshire Mental Health Forum, Derbyshire County Council, Derby City Council and support from other local organisations.
