Footprints Community’s Post

Suicide - It is a Critical Issue Suicide is the biggest killer of people aged under 35, and is a devastating issue that affects countless individuals and families across the UK, and globally. This statistic highlights the urgency of addressing mental health and providing adequate support to those at risk. While rates are declining overall, which is great, further things are being done. Here's some of the great work that happens to support suicide prevention. Increased Mental Health Support: Accessibility to counselling, therapy, and crisis hotlines. Training healthcare professionals, teachers, and community members to recognize signs of distress and intervene effectively. Stigma reduction to challenge negative stereotypes and stigma associated with mental health to encourage individuals to seek help. Community Engagement: Social connections that foster a sense of belonging and connection within communities to reduce feelings of isolation. Support groups for individuals and families who have experienced suicide or are at risk. Community events and activities that promote mental well-being and resilience. Targeted Interventions: Youth programs in schools and youth organisations to teach coping skills, stress management, and healthy relationships. Workplace initiatives that promote mental health awareness and support within workplaces. Investment in research to understand the causes of suicide and develop effective prevention strategies. Analysis of the data and trends in suicide continues to aid prevention strategies and build awareness around this issue. We also now have access to crisis hotlines 24/7 to help those in need, any way you want to contact them. I’ve highlighted a few below: NHS – 111 option 2 Samaritans – 116123 or jo@samaritans.org (24hr reply) Shout UK Crisis Text Line – TEXT “SHOUT” to 85258 or TEXT “YM” if you’re under 19 years old Childline - 08001111 also for the under 19’s Mind has compiled a list of Helplines too, which you can access here - https://lnkd.in/eGiM3zHQ Keep talking, texting, emailing, and get the support you need! #SuicidePrevention #SuicideAwareness #Suicide #BiggestKiller

Safe Havens Initiative: In response to the high suicide rates and increasing mental health crises, initiatives like the introduction of "safe havens" have been highlighted. These centers, such as one opening in Ashington, Northumberland, aim to provide immediate, non-clinical support for those in mental health crises, offering an alternative to emergency departments. These safe havens are part of a broader strategy to intervene before acute mental health care becomes necessary, potentially reducing the need for hospital admissions. How does the Safe Havens Initiative plan to offer immediate crisis intervention without integrating essential services like counsellng, long-term community mental health support, and advice services? Isn’t this why people turn to A&E when they reach a crisis point? While the initiative is a positive step, effective crisis care needs collaboration with existing support networks to provide comprehensive and sustained help.

🌍 World Suicide Prevention Day 🌍 Today, we join the global community in observing World Suicide Prevention Day, a crucial day dedicated to raising awareness about suicide prevention and supporting those who may be struggling with their mental health. 🔹 Why It Matters Suicide is a significant public health issue that affects millions worldwide. Each life lost is a tragedy, and it's essential to remember that help and support are available. By fostering open conversations and breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health, we can contribute to saving lives and offering hope. 🔹 How You Can Help 1. Listen and Support- Sometimes, just being there for someone and listening without judgment can make a huge difference. 2. Educate Yourself and Others- Understanding the signs of distress and knowing how to seek help can empower you to make a positive impact. 3. Promote Mental Health Resources- Share information about mental health services, hotlines, and support groups to ensure people know where to turn for help. 🔹 Key Facts - Over 700,000 people die by suicide each year. - Suicide is preventable with timely, evidence-based interventions. - Support networks and mental health resources are crucial in prevention efforts. #Let's work together to create a world where every person feels valued and supported. Reach out to someone today, and let them know they are not alone. 💙 #WorldSuicidePreventionDay #SuicidePrevention #MentalHealthAwareness #YouAreNotAlone WECARE YOUTH ORGANIZATION STACY AKINYIpauline omutereRachael KamburaAjra Abdullatif MohamedNguvu CollectiveHarriet AfandiBBYI- Barrier Breakers Youth InitiativeCentre for Human Rights, University of PretoriaBintiHopes.orgRHODA MUSUNGUReproductive Health Network Kenya

Trigger Warning: Suicide and Mental Health As a qualified doctor, I want to highlight the importance of World Suicide Prevention Day. Every week, 115 people die by suicide in the UK, with 75% of these deaths being male (ONS). This staggering number reflects a significant issue we all need to address. 📢 Understanding that 1 in 15 people attempt suicide and 1 in 5 people have suicidal thoughts (NHS Digital) underscores the urgency of providing proper mental health support in the workplace. Additionally, 1 in 14 people self-harm, highlighting the need for comprehensive care and intervention. 🤝 Here are some essential services and charities that can help: ➡️ 24/7 helpline offering emotional support with Samaritans. ➡️ Mental health support and resources at Mind. ➡️ PAPYRUS, support for young people and suicide prevention. ➡️ Support for men facing mental health crises at CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably). ➡️ text SHOUT to 85258 for 24/7 support. ➡️ tapGP Wellbeing for specialised mental health support. Let’s work together to foster a supportive environment and provide the necessary resources for our employees. 🌟 Partner with us at 🔗 tapgp.co.uk/partners to bring tapGP to your organisation. #WorldSuicidePreventionDay #MentalHealthAwareness #WorkplaceWellbeing #HR #EmployeeSupport #MentalHealthSupport #MentalWellbeing #Awareness

YOU ARE NOT ALONE! SHINE A BRIGHT, BRIGHT LIGHT! Hey there. You, the beautiful soul right in front of us. Yes, you! You, reading this right now. Hi! We want to let you know that we see you, that you and your feelings are valid, and that it’s OK to not always feel OK. But when you’ve not felt OK for a longer time than you’d like, it’s also OK to reach out, speak up, and get some help. In fact, it’s awesome! Mental health conditions can often hide in the dark and strike when we are alone. They are sneaky and cowardly like that. So, shine a light on them! A super BRIGHT one! Remove those shadows as hiding places. Don’t allow them to sneak around so that those closest to you don’t notice them. Call them out. Include others who you trust. Build a team. Don’t fight your battles alone! You are stronger than you know, and there is help, love, and support for you. All of you! You are NOT alone. You ARE worthy. You ARE valid. We ain’t saying it’ll be easy, but simply starting the process is an amazing, brave, and bold thing to do. Do it for you. Yes, YOU! You deserve to feel happier, healthier, more connected, and to know that you belong to something bigger than your health challenges. --- OK, HOW? * Come in to see us at Stepping Stone Clubhouse – 9/61 Holdsworth Street, Coorparoo (open Mon – Fri, 8.30am – 4.30pm) * Based on the North side of Brisbane? Go see our Stepping Stone North Clubhouse – 88 Delaware Street, Chermside (open Mon – Fri, 8.30am – 4.30pm) * Can’t get to either of our Clubhouses? Try some of these FREE, 24/7 resources below: * Lifeline: 13 11 14 or text 0477 131 114 (for all Australians for crisis support and suicide prevention services) * Kids help line: 1800 551 800 or go to kidshelpline.com.au for webchat (ages 5 – 25 along with help for parents and teachers!) * 13YARN: 13 92 76 (to talk with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander crisis supporter) The journey of a thousand miles starts with one step, make that step TODAY! All our love and support, SSCH. #steppingstoneclubhouse #mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters #youarenotalone #itaintweaktospeak #shinealight #strongerthanyouknow

🌍 World Suicide Prevention Day: Together, We Can Make a Difference 🌍 As the Chairperson of the Accenture in South Africa Mental Health & Wellbeing Committee, I want to take this opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and the critical need for suicide prevention. Why It Matters: Every year, millions of people around the world are affected by suicide. It is a leading cause of death, and its impact is felt deeply by families, friends, and communities. However, suicide is preventable, and each of us can play a role in saving lives. How You Can Help: Reach Out: If you notice someone struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out. A simple conversation can make a huge difference. Listen: Sometimes, the best support you can offer is to listen without judgment. Educate Yourself: Learn about the signs of mental health struggles and suicide risk. Knowledge is power. Encourage Professional Help: Encourage those in need to seek professional support. Be Kind: Small acts of kindness can have a big impact. Show empathy and support to those around you. Resources: Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): Most companies have AEP support, which is often available 24/7 for confidential support. Mental Health First Aiders/ Allies: At Accenture we have trained colleagues who provide support and guidance to our people. SADAG (South African Depression and Anxiety Group): Available 24/7 at 0800 567 567 or visit www.sadag.org. Remember: You are not alone. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for help. Together, we can create a supportive and compassionate environment where everyone feels valued and heard. Let’s stand together to prevent suicide and promote mental wellbeing. 💙 Clotilda Langutani Mandlazi Nonkanyiso Happiness Mabuza Rhulani Baloyi Hope Moorosi Thuli Maboe Shelby Labuschagne #WorldSuicidePreventionDay #MentalHealthMatters #AccentureCares

In any given year, one in four people around the world experience a mental or substance use disorder and more than 700,000 people die by suicide. In 2022, 1 in 20 adults in the US reported serious thoughts of suicide and nearly 1 out of 10 youth met criteria for a substance use disorder.     The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) introduced the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in July 2022 to support individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis. With a $1.5 billion investment to increase access to crisis care, including “Someone to talk to. Someone to respond. A safe place for help”, SAMHSA’s 988 crisis counselors have answered more than 10 million calls, chats, and texts.    The McKinsey Health Institute was honored to support the design and roll-out of 988 through active partnerships with National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD), RI International, and Vibrant Emotional Health, and collaboration with SAMHSA, NAMI, and National Council for Mental Wellbeing, among others.     We’re turning now to improving crisis response at a global level – not only “whom do we call?” in a moment of crisis, but also “how should we respond?” To advance this dialogue, MHI leaders joined RI International, Global Leadership Exchange, and 100 global leaders at the Crisis Now 3 Summit to craft a set of guiding principles to inform crisis care around the world.      Widespread adoption of these principles could facilitate development of effective, evidence-based crisis care that centers the needs of individuals while addressing local and regional context.    We look forward to sharing more as we coordinate with global stakeholders to further refine and adapt these principles.      Read about our work to support 988: https://lnkd.in/eREYPYwT

Since its launch, 10+ million calls, texts, and chat messages have been answered by counselors working with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It's encouraging to see so many accessing avenues to support. With 12+ million adults and 3.5 million teens considering suicide annually, we must do more.   Building awareness around suicide prevention is important for both patients and healthcare providers. Individuals who are feeling suicidal may present in healthcare settings with physical symptoms, leaving the risk that their mental health may be overlooked. In one study screening all ED patients for mental doubled the number identified as being at risk for suicide. This increase could lead to the yearly identification of 3+ million additional U.S. adults at risk for suicide – potentially millions of lives rescued. Across healthcare, suicide prevention is everyone’s responsibility. We have the power to save lives through universal screening. Find out how Array integrates suicide screening and specialized mental health support across healthcare settings: ◾ Read our eBook, "Reach Bold Goals through a Zero Suicide Model" - https://lnkd.in/ernYwpQe ◾ Reach out today to learn more - https://lnkd.in/gtwyP7JH Together, we can make a difference.   https://lnkd.in/gyCnApix #SuicidePrevention #HealthcareInnovation #MentalHealth #HealthAwareness #MentalHealthAwareness

Last week we saw 2 major announcements about Mental Health: 1. The NHS nationwide launch of 111 option 2 for Mental Health Support 2. The ONS publication of 2023 Suicide statistics for England and Wales I've been signposting the 111 option 2 service for a few months already in my Mental Health First Aid training sessions, as Sheffield has been part of a trial ahead of the national rollout. Now anyone (not just in Sheffield) experiencing a mental health crisis can call 111 and select the mental health option to speak to a dedicated mental health call handler. You can also call this number if someone you know is in crisis. This support is available for all ages, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is free to call from a landline or mobile phone. It's fantastic to see this announced as now being available nationwide. The published Suicide data is not such a positive read. One death by suicide is one too many - and it's so important to appreciate that behind each statistic is a real person and their loved ones affected by this. The data shows rates are the highest overall since 1999, and the highest in females since 1994. With World Suicide Prevention Day just a few days away on 10th September, it's so important that we recognise this as a public health crisis. The triennial theme for World Suicide Prevention Day for 2024-2026 is "Changing the Narrative on Suicide" with the call to action "Start the Conversation" Every conversation, no matter how small, contributes to a supportive and understanding society. By initiating these vital conversations, we can break down barriers, raise awareness, and create better cultures of support. Suicide prevention is EVERYONE'S business. If you want to learn more about how to start a conversation, you can check out the 20-minute free training provided by Zero Suicide Alliance or get in touch about the MHFA England® training courses I deliver. #mentalhealthawareness #worldsuicidepreventionday #WSPD #WSPD2024 #nhs

🇬🇧 ☎️ "Just call 111, press 2" The NHS has launched a new crisis helpline giving U.K. residents another way to get urgent help in times of mental health crises. In addition to early intervention and prevention, waitlist support, and services such as talking therapies, it is great to see the NHS tackle the whole care pathway when it comes to investment in mental health support. What are your thoughts on the new NHS 24-hour crisis service? Read more about it here👇 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eQJyVkP8 P.S. Wysa is an NHS-approved app. Wysa is currently used by the NHS as a tool for early intervention, waitlist support, and triage for NHS Talking Therapies. Wysa is not a crisis service, but it does feature an 🆘 safety feature that provides users with contact details for national crisis lines in their Country. #NHS #SuicidePrevention #SuicideAwareness #PublicHealth #MentalHealth #Crises