Introduction
We can all help to prevent suicide, together we can make a difference – is the message from the Somerset Suicide Prevention Partnership Group.
The Suicide Prevention Partnership Group is a multi-agency forum of over twenty different organisations from the statutory and voluntary sector. The group leads this work locally and is responsible for the delivery of the Somerset Suicide Prevention Strategy and Action Plan, which focuses on coordinated cross sector action to reduce suicide in Somerset.
Suicide can affect anybody and there isn’t a community in Somerset where people haven’t been touched by suicide.
Whether a hospital staff member or an owner of a local shop, we can all make a difference in reaching out and offering support to those in need. We know that if someone is having suicidal thoughts, receiving support from someone else can make a big difference.
Only a minority of people, who complete suicide, are known to mental health services.
We need to raise awareness. It’s time to talk about suicide. It’s time to say, let’s talk. We need to spread the message that talking to someone in distress won’t make the situation worse. #letskeeptalking #starttheconversation #togetherwecanmakeadifference
Support if you have been affected by suicide
Somerset Suicide Bereavement Support Service
Support for anyone that is bereaved by suicide, at any time during the bereavement. Visit the Somerset Suicide Bereavement Support Service website or phone 03003 305463 – Open 24/7
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS)
UK peer-led support to adults impacted by suicide loss. Visit the Survivors of Bereavement website.
National listening helplines
Samaritans
Phone 116 123 – Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
SHOUT
Shout is a free, confidential, 24/7 text support service for anyone in the UK who is struggling to cope.
To start a conversation, text the word ‘Shout’ to 85258. Trained Shout Volunteers are here to listen at any time of day or night and messages won’t appear on your phone bill.
World Suicide Prevention Day
World Suicide Prevention Day is observed every year on the 10 of September, the theme this year is “Changing the Narrative”. The day aims to focus attention on the issue, reduce stigma and raise awareness amongst organisations, government, and the public, giving the singular message that suicides are preventable.
This year’s theme seeks to raise awareness about the importance of changing the narrative surrounding suicide and transforming how we perceive this complex issue. Changing the narrative requires systemic change. It’s about shifting from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding, and support.
Public Health Somerset have developed various resources including posters and a small pocket-sized leaflet to help people to start conversations about suicide. These can be downloaded by using the links below.
Walk for a Life event for World Suicide Prevention Day
Every year Public Health works with colleagues across various sectors to put on the Walk for a Life event to mark World Suicide Prevention Day. The event seeks to remember those we have lost to suicide, raise awareness, and encourage and empower people in Somerset to take action to prevent suicide. This year the event is being held on Saturday 7 September at Taunton Quaker Meeting House, the walk will start at 10.30am. More information about the event is available on the event website: Walk for a Life Somerset.
Other helpful resources
Media reporting guidelines
Samaritans reporting of suicide media guidelines. Visit Samaritans’ Media Guidelines website.
Training
Suicide prevention training can be found on our Mental Health training offer page.
Online resources
Somerset Suicide Prevention Strategy
Suicide prevention and the promotion of good mental health for people of all ages is a key priority in Somerset. The local suicide rate has been above the national average for over 20 years. On average, 60 to 65 people die by suicide every year in Somerset and every death has a devastating impact on family, friends, colleagues, and entire communities.
In Somerset, there is a collaborative that works across organisations and communities to support this work. The multiagency Suicide Prevention Partnership Forum brings together partners with the shared goal of preventing suicides and our core message is that together we can make a difference to reduce the number of lives lost to suicide.
Three overarching aims have been identified to help us to deliver on the priority areas for action laid out within the national guidance.
- Use an evidence informed approach to suicide prevention activities, built on shared data and the voice of lived experience.
- Engage people of all ages in Somerset; including work and education settings, businesses and media outlets in suicide prevention, with the message that together we can make a difference.
- Use a robust evaluation system to ensure services meet the needs of the Somerset population, are impactful and sustainable
For more information please read our strategy documents below.
