Residents in Trafford are being encouraged to take half an hour out of their day to complete free suicide prevention training.
The training aims to help you identify when someone is experiencing suicidal feelings, and be able to talk to them about how they are feeling. It will give you information on services and support that can help.
Suicide is preventable and there are many free and easy ways to access support, for yourself and for people you have concerns about.
Karen Glendinning, prevention and wellness manager at Age UK Trafford, took the training and a month later was able to support a stranger who was considering suicide.
“The training is designed for everyone. It was really interesting and taught me a lot of things about mental health and useful skills to support people,” said Karen.
A month after my training I came across someone who was thinking about suicide and I was able to talk to them directly about it. I encourage everyone to do the training, you never know when you might need it.”
The training is part of Greater Manchester’s Month of Hope which runs from World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10) until World Mental Health Day (October 10).
Councillor Joanne Harding, chair of Trafford Suicide Prevention Partnership and executive member for adult social care, said:
“I want to encourage as many people as possible across Trafford to get involved with our activities as part of Month of Hope.
Suicide can be prevented and by taking 30 minutes out of your day to complete the Shining A Light On Suicide training you could really make a difference to someone who may be struggling.”
To access the training visit www.trafford.gov.uk/suicide-prevention.
Samaritans operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. Call 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org.
For support for people experiencing suicidal feelings, if you are concerned about someone or if you are bereaved by suicide please visit shiningalightonsuicide.org.uk.
Posted on Friday 10th September 2021