Region takes steps to rouse people to talk

MEASURES ARE being brought in across Yorkshire to raise awareness and offer support to people in times of crisis.

In Bradford, a campaign has been launched by the city council to encourage individuals to talk about their problems, and credit card-sized cards are now being distributed to GPs and health workers with advice on how to start a conversation.

North Yorkshire County Council is encouraging organisations and individuals to work together to reduce the suicide rates in their own communities.

The authority is working with Scarborough Survivors to tackle stigma and encourage residents to open up about mental health, and the charity is holding an open day tomorrow with the theme ‘No conversation is too hard’.

Rotherham Council’s assistant director of public health Jo Abbott told The Yorkshire Post: “We know that Rotherham rates for factors affecting suicide – including drug and alcohol use, long-term health problems, domestic abuse, marital break-ups, children and adults in social care, social isolation and unemployment – are higher than elsewhere.

“We’re working closely with colleagues in the NHS, Rotherham Samaritans and South Yorkshire Police to stop suicide being a taboo subject; targeting those who are most at risk within our communities so that they know where to get help and encouraging people to talk about these contributing issues more openly.

“In addition to the boroughwide awareness campaign, localised campaigns run through the Area Assemblies on spotting the signs have been run in accessible venues.”