Messages of Hope to be placed on bridges around Stockport

Cheadle based charity, the Together Trust, are encouraging staff and the people they support to write messages of hope ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day.

Messages will be placed on bridges around Stockport, helping to try and prevent someone from taking their own life.

More than 6,800 people die from suicide in the UK and ROI each year and studies have found that 1 in 5 people have thoughts about suicide at some time in their life. With World Suicide Prevention Day this Thursday 10th September; the Together Trust hope their initiative will raise awareness amongst staff and the local community

This week they launched a suicide prevention awareness initiative amongst its staff and the people they support. The initiative encourages staff to complete a 10-15 minute e-learning training course which focuses on recognising the signs of suicidal thoughts and helping people become more comfortable supporting someone they are concerned about.

Dominique Carter, Residential Social Care worker at Together Trust who is working on the initiative said:

Whilst suicide prevention awareness has increased in the last couple of years, there is still more that can be done to raise awareness both in local communities and on a national scale. We are hoping that this initiative will increase understanding amongst Together Trust staff and illustrate the issues to people in the local Stockport area”

For those in need of support, Samaritans listening service is available for free 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by calling 116 123.