One of our key messages will be that we must all work together to prevent suicide: that we have to look out for one another and support our friends, relatives, co-workers and neighbours.

- Dr Allan Johnston

This year the theme is ‘Working Together to Prevent Suicides’.

The effects of suicide can be far reaching and long lasting. Many people − friends, family and colleagues feel the impact.

That's why professionals, community groups, volunteers and individuals are working together to reduce the risks of suicide.

As part of the suicide prevention work in Derbyshire there will be events held at two
professional matches - Derby County FC and Chesterfield FC. and awareness raising events will be held at three non-league matches - Alfreton Town, Belper Town and Sheffield FC.

Representatives from the Samaritans, Rethink, Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Derbyshire Mental Health Forum and other mental health organisations will be raising awareness about suicide prevention.

Dr Allan Johnston, a Consultant Psychiatrist at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and chair of the Trust’s suicide prevention group said: “The theme this year is working together to prevent suicide and that couldn’t be more appropriate for Derbyshire this year, when hundreds of volunteers will be reaching out to football fans at five different matches across the county.

“One of our key messages will be that we must all work together to prevent suicide: that we have to look out for one another and support our friends, relatives, co-workers and neighbours. And when one of us meets a stranger in distress, a simple conversation or just a kind smile could go a long way in making a connection and demonstrating that someone cares.”

FACTS

Every suicide is preventable
73 people living in Derbyshire took their life in 2016 and three quarters of these were men
Suicide is the leading cause of death among young people aged 20 to 34 years in the UK
In 2016 in Derbyshire the highest rate of suicide occurred in those aged 40-49

WHAT CAN I DO?

If you, or someone you know, are feeling suicidal, there are several things that you can do:

Take it seriously
Listen, without judgment
Talk to them – talking about suicide does not make someone more likely to take their life
Let the person know that you care about them and that they are not alone
Make sure someone is with them if they are in immediate danger
Try to get professional help for the person feeling suicidal and support for yourself.
Call the Samaritans 24-hour support service on 116 123
Go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department and tell the staff how you are feeling
Contact NHS 111
Make an urgent appointment to see your GP