Local organisations are working together to prevent suicide

The Trust is joining the county council, local charities and organisations in supporting World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September 2018.

This year the theme is Working Together to Prevent Suicide.

Representatives from Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust will be joined at five football matches in Derbyshire by Derbyshire County Council, the Samaritans, Rethink, Derbyshire Mental Health Forum and other mental health organisations to raise awareness about suicide prevention.

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

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

There will be activities to engage fans as well as information and support to those who may need it.

'Reaching out to football fans'

Dr Allan Johnston, a consultant psychiatrist at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and chair of the Trust’s suicide prevention group, said: “It’s really positive that Derbyshire County Council, Derbyshire Healthcare and other local organisations are once again joining forces for World Suicide Prevention Day.

“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 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.

“If one of us notices a change in the behaviour of someone we know well - perhaps they’ve become withdrawn or anxious, or they’re saying that they can’t see a way out of their problems - we can make a difference by encouraging them to seek help and showing them that they matter to us.

"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.”

Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Health and Communities Councillor Carol Hart said: “We know that the reasons why someone may choose to take their own life can be extremely complex and people may be afraid to raise the subject for fear of not knowing what to say or do to help.

“But we can all make a difference to someone who may be suffering emotional distress.”

World Suicide Prevention Day football matches are on the following dates:

Saturday 8 September 2018, KO 3pm

Alfreton Town v Guiseley, Impact Arena, North Street, Alfreton, DE55 7FZ

Saturday 8 September 2018, KO 3pm

Chesterfield FC v Dover Athletic, Proact Stadium, 1866 Sheffield Road, Chesterfield, S41 8NZ

Saturday 15 September 2018, KO 3pm

Belper Town v Cleethorpes Town, Christchurch Meadow, Bridge Street, Belper, DE56 1BA

Saturday 15 September 2018, KO 3pm

Sheffield FC v Gresley FC, Sheffield FC Stadium, Sheffield Road, Dronfield, S18 2GD

Tuesday 18 September 2018, KO 7.45pm

Derby County v Blackburn Rovers, Pride Park, Derby, DE24 8XL

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

• speak to a friend, family member or someone you trust

• 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
          

The World Suicide Prevention Day matches are being delivered in partnership with Derby County Football Club, Chesterfield Football Club and the Spireites Trust, the Samaritans, Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Derbyshire Mental Health Forum, ourselves, Derby City Council and support from other local organisations.