World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) was established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) in conjunction with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and is a significant advocacy and communication based event aimed at reaching national organisations, governments and the general public, giving a singular message that suicide can be prevented. ‘Creating hope through action’ is the triennial theme for WSPD from 2021-2023.
Dr Paul Edmondson-Jones, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board: said: “It is incredibly important that we do all we can to support anyone who may be feeling hopeless or helpless. World Suicide Prevention Day is a helpful reminder to do this should we ever need one. We know that being open about mental health is not always an easy thing to do.
“I would like to assure the local public that there is a wealth of support available to help, including from our system partners at Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust and North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust. It is vital that we all know that it is okay to talk, to reach out, and to understand that help is available if you or someone you know feels low, distressed or alone.”
Neil Carr, Chief Executive of Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (MPFT), said: “World Suicide Prevention Day is such an important part of the health awareness calendar as it encourages sharing, listening and understanding – all things which can potentially be life-saving. If you think you need help or you notice you’re starting to feel differently, talking to someone is often the first step.
“MPFT’s urgent mental health helpline provides support and advice to people of all ages across Southern Staffordshire and is open 24/7 by calling 0808 196 3002. If you or someone you know is going through a tough time, you're not alone. Help is out there for you; please use it.”
Dr Buki Adeyemo, Chief Executive of North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust said: “At North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust, we work with our service users and partners to continuously raise awareness of suicide prevention and especially annually during the World Suicide Prevention Day campaign.
“It is important to talk openly about suicide, and to let people know they are not alone, and that help is available. If you are concerned about your mental health or someone you care for, you can contact Combined Healthcare’s Crisis Care Centre directly, any time of the day or night, every day of the year and for any age, on 0800 0 328 728 (Option 1). If you have an impairment or are unable to call, please contact us via 07739 775202, and the team will respond as soon as they are able to.”
For more information on this year’s campaign, please visit www.iasp.info/wspd