App support to those struggling

A new suicide prevention app created to help people in distress in Kent and Medway has been released by the NHS.

Launched last week, the health service says the app, called Stay Alive, aims to support people struggling with suicidal thoughts to keep safe in a crisis.

The programme can be downloaded from the App Store and Google Play and also be used by friends and family to raise concerns about someone else.

Along with general advice, it has features which can be customised for mental health sufferers when they are in particularly difficult moments.

Patients can create a mini safety plan to give themselves notes of how to cope and people to call if they do not feel safe.

The app also has a Lifebox feature to upload photos reminding them of reasons to stay alive, and details of people to contact during moments they are thinking about suicide.

The Kent and Medway Sustainability and Transformation Partnership (STP) has worked with a charity called Grassroots Suicide Prevention to develop the app.

This is in addition to the Release the Pressure programme between charities, community groups, Kent County Council and NHS departments throughout Kent.

Mental health programme director for Kent and Medway STP, Lauretta Kavanagh said: “This app will give local people who are having suicidal thoughts easy access to their personal safety plan and reasons to stay alive, round the clock and wherever they are.”

Stay Alive is available on the Apple App Store and the Android Google Play.

To find out more about suicide help in Kent visit KCC’S Release the Pressure campaign website or call Samaritans on 116 123.