With World Suicide Prevention Day almost here (Thursday 10th September), we wanted to remind you of the information, support and activities previously share around what’s going on in Worcestershire and beyond (see below). This year we’re encouraging activity between 10th September and 10th October (World Mental Health Day). If you’re short on time, a simple but meaningful way to get involved is by sharing positive messages and promoting available support throughout the month.
**New information**: Activity from Behind the Smile
- Join Behind the Smile for their annual suicide awareness and remembrance walk, Saturday 12th September, 7pm, leaving from Sabrina Bridge. This is a circular walk to the main bridge and back with candlelight lanterns and stops along the way to read poetry.
- They are hosting a fundraising walk end to end of the Malvern Hills, 20th September. To sign up, go to https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/charity/behind-the-smile/event/malvern-hills-ridge-walk-10-5-miles-for-smiles. To donate, go to https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/fundraising/malvern-hills-end-to-end-walk-10-5-miles-for-smiles
- Behind the Smile has its annual review on 18th September, 2pm in Unison, 30 Loves Grove, Worcester, WR1 3BU. They would like to invite you all to attend learn about the charity and listen to their speakers. For more information, contact [email protected]
Mental Health Campaign Hub
Partners across Herefordshire & Worcestershire have created a ‘one stop’ online resource hub to support information sharing and awareness throughout this period: Campaign for mental health | Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust . The hub brings together a wide range of support, resources, and training opportunities from organisations across both Herefordshire and Worcestershire. (More content has been added since we last emailed this around in August)
Information and Support Sessions
Between 10th September and 10th October, Herefordshire and Worcestershire Recovery College is hosting series of online ‘Finding Out More’ sessions about number of mental health topics and services across both counties. Topics include women’s safety and wellbeing and male body image concerns, alongside service information around Talking Therapies and other offers. The sessions can be found under the ‘events’ tab on the Mental Health Campaign Hub: Campaign for mental health | Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust
10th September-10th October – Take Action for Suicide Prevention (national)
World Suicide Prevention Day (10th September) focuses on changing the narrative around suicide, encouraging open conversations, promoting help-seeking and challenging stigma around suicide and its impact on communities.
This year you can register to take part in a free, inclusive global physical activity challenge spanning 10th September to 10th October. For one month, individuals, families, workplaces, schools, community groups and organisations commit to moving in ways that suit them while helping to shine a light on suicide prevention. For more information visit: Move for Life – IASP
Zero Suicide Alliance Online Events
On Thursday 10th September, the ZSA is hosting two online sessions exploring how supportive conversations can reduce stigma and encourage help seeking. You’re welcome to join one or both (or you can register to receive the recordings):
- Morning webinar (10 – 11.30am): Building a supportive narrative around suicide
- Afternoon training (1 – 2.30pm): Suicide awareness and supportive conversations
Managing Social Media Conversations about Locations of Concern
To support you with any social media activity you might be undertaking during this period, we wanted to make you aware that new Samaritans guidance has been developed to support safe and responsible use of social media around suicide, particularly when discussing locations of concern. To view the guidance, please visit: Managing social media conversations about locations of concern | Online Safety Resources | Samaritans