#TalkSuicide campaign encourages people in Hull to complete short online suicide prevention training

30 January, 2019

Humber, Coast and Vale Mental Health Partnership urges people in Hull to complete a free suicide prevention online training programme, and improve support for those suffering from suicidal thoughts

The Humber, Coast and Vale Mental Health Partnership has launched the #TalkSuicide campaign to encourage the people of Hull to complete a free 20-minute online suicide prevention training programme.

The #TalkSuicide campaign urges people in Hull to visit www.talksuicide.co.uk to complete the video-based training, so they can learn life-saving skills and improve the support network for those struggling with suicidal thoughts.

The Zero Suicide Alliance - a group of NHS Trusts, businesses and individuals committed to suicide prevention - has created the training to help people spot signs in people experiencing suicidal thoughts, and equip them with the information and skills to help them help these people.

There were 5,821 registered suicides in the UK in 2017 – more than one death every two hours – with the Yorkshire and Humber region having some of the highest suicide rates in England. [1] Mental health issues and financial problems are some of the biggest contributing factors to suicide.

National statistics show that suicide is the biggest killer of men aged under 50. Men accounted for three quarters of suicides registered in 2017, while those aged between 45-49 are considered to be most at risk. [2]

Anyone can undertake the training, which only takes 20 minutes to complete, at www.talksuicide.co.uk

Completing the training will help you to:

Spot signs in people experiencing suicidal thoughts
Feel comfortable speaking about suicide in a supportive manner
Signpost individuals suffering from suicidal thoughts to the correct services or support

Visit www.talksuicide.co.uk to complete the video-based suicide prevention training and learn more about the #TalkSuicide campaign.

Michele Moran, Chair of the Humber, Coast and Vale Mental Health Partnership Board and Chief Executive at Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Each death by suicide is a terrible loss and a tragedy for everybody involved. By taking just 20 minutes to complete the online training, you could help save someone from taking their own life. The training will help you to be better in identifying suicidal thoughts and behaviour and give you the information to direct them to the most appropriate support services.”

Jo Kent, Humber, Coast and Vale Suicide Prevention Lead said: “The #TalkSuicide and Zero Suicide Alliance websites have plenty of material to help businesses and organisations incorporate this training into their workplace. We’re calling on individuals and businesses alike to encourage their friends, family, colleagues or employees to complete the online training - because knowing what to do and say in the right situation really can help to save a life.”

If you need urgent help, or if you’re worried about the mental or emotional state of yourself or someone you know, help is available from the following services:

Samaritans offer a 24-hours a day, 7 days a week support service. Call them FREE on 116 123 or e-mail jo@samaritans.org
CALM Campaign Against Living Miserably – for men call 0800 58 58 58 – 5pm to midnight every day - Visit the webchat page
PAPYRUS (support for young people) Freephone 0800 068 4141 or email pat@papyrus-uk.org

[1] https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/deaths/bulletins/suicidesintheunitedkingdom/2017registrations

[2] https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/deaths/bulletins/suicidesintheunitedkingdom/2017registrations