A football club has signed up for a new initiative, which seeks people who care about their community and can help others feel comfortable talking about suicide and mental health.
Durham County Council is searching for Suicide Prevention Champions across County Durham as part of World Suicide Prevention Day today, and Bishop Auckland Football Club has already come forward.
The theme of this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day is Changing the Narrative on Suicide, and it aims to inspire individuals, communities, organisations, and governments to engage in open and honest discussion about suicide and suicidal behaviour. It is hoped that by initiating these vital conversations, the day can break down barriers, raise awareness, and create a better culture of understanding and support.
The local authority is looking to demonstrate that anyone can make a difference by learning, raising awareness and helping people talk openly in supportive conversations.
Suicide Prevention Champions don’t need to have any special qualifications. They encourage people to ask for help and look out for each other. As suicide can affect anyone, the council is looking for champions from all walks of life.
Cllr Howard Brown, Durham County Council Cabinet member for adult and health services, said: “No one should have to suffer in silence, and the best way to tackle suicide as a community is to have open and honest discussions and break down those barriers that make it a taboo topic.
“As a Suicide Prevention Champion, you would be making a difference. You don’t need to be a specialist; you just need to be someone with compassion and understanding.”
Volunteers will: raise awareness of suicide prevention, help people talk openly, understand the signs of suicide, share information on support, and back local campaigns. This does not mean they will provide mental health crisis support; specialist services are available for this.
Anyone over 18 who lives or works in County Durham can become a Suicide Prevention Champion. Champions will be provided training and support.
Interested parties can find out more at: www.durham.gov.uk/SuicidePreventionChampions.
If you are aware of anyone who may be suffering from suicidal thoughts or who may need support, please share the number for the Samaritans helpline – 116 123.
If someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, they can also call NHS 111 and select option 2 for urgent mental health support. NHS 111 is available 24/7. If the person is deaf or has hearing loss, they should use NHS 111 – SignVideo or the 18001 111 Relay UK app.
Details of mental health support for both adults and children are available on our website at https://www.durham.gov.uk/adultmentalhealthsupport and https://www.durham.gov.uk/familiesmentalhealth.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
