‘Start a Conversation’ to break suicide stigma
New campaign covering awareness and prevention
A NEW campaign has been launched to help prevent suicide by raising awareness of the risks and showing what support is available.
The campaign, called Start a Conversation, launched last week to coincide with World Suicide Prevention Day, and is hoping to break the stigma around suicide, encouraging people to be more open about their worries and showing them where to seek help.
Among the partners in the scheme are Charnwood Borough Council, North West Leicestershire District Council, Leicestershire Police, Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, East Midland Ambulance Service NHS Trust and West Leicestershire CCG.
A website has been launched giving people not only information on where to get help in a crisis, but also how to maintain good mental health and support others in need.
The campaign is a joint venture led by Leicestershire County Council. County council leader Nick Rushton said: “Death from suicide has devastating consequences for family, friends and colleagues.
“We want to make sure residents and communities are aware of the warning signs of suicidal behaviour and have an open and honest approach to conversations.
“The Start a Conversation website will signpost people in need to crisis care support and is part of a number of services which will help improve our response to suicide and suicide ideation.” The campaign aims to:
• Remove the stigma and myths around suicide and encourage people to talk openly about it
• Provide information and advice to people at crisis point
• Build safer communities by raising awareness
• Help people to maintain good mental health
• Support people who have been bereaved through suicide
People and businesses can also support the campaign by making pledges to highlight the steps they will take to help tackle suicide and the issues surrounding it.
More information is available at www.startaconversation.co.uk
The campaign is also on social media at #StartAConversation