​Shining a Light on suicide awareness

Helping families and individuals is the focus of World Suicide Awareness Day, with events taking place in Bury tomorrow and Wednesday (10 and 11 Sep).

From 10am to 3pm, staff from the Samaritans, Bury Council, the CCG and other Bury Suicide Prevention Group members will be on The Rock from 10pm to 3pm tomorrow, and near the Fish and Meat Hall on Bury Market on Wednesday.

Their message is simply – it’s good to talk, and we can help.

They will also be inviting people to complete a 20-minute Save a Life training in their own time at home, which thousands of people across Greater Manchester have already signed up to. For details, go to http://www.shiningalightonsuicide.org.uk/suicide-prevention-training/

On average there are 18 suicides a year in Bury, more than three-quarters of them men.

People with drug, alcohol or mental health problems are at increased risk of feeling suicidal. Social isolation, job loss and financial problems can also contribute.

Councillor Andrea Simpson, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “Contemplating suicide is a terrible situation for a person to find themselves in, and the aftermath is devastating for family and friends.

“But there are people who you can turn to for help at times of crisis, and talking about how you feel is one of the most effective forms of prevention.”

Opening up and talking about how you feel has been shown to help.

After being discharged from the military, Owen unknowingly suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The married dad-of-two even went as far as planning how he would kill himself. See how he found hope at his video: https://youtu.be/C5NtUP2TmH0

There are services in Bury who can help: go to http://ow.ly/NJWY50vZpdi

Samaritans: call 116 123.

Greater Manchester Suicide Bereavement Information Service – a confidential information service for people bereaved or affected by suicide. Call 0161 212 4919.

For more information on the campaign: go to http://www.shiningalightonsuicide.org.uk/

ENDS

Press release issued: 9 September 2019.