A Nottingham and Nottinghamshire-wide suicide prevention campaign aims to reach people who are vulnerable to suicide through encouraging open conversations and identifying people in the most at-risk groups.
The Break the Silence on Suicide campaign from NottAlone, Nottinghamshire County Council and Nottingham City Council is supported by the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire NHS Integrated Care Board, Samaritans, Nottingham & Nottinghamshire NHS Talking Therapies, Active Notts, Nottingham Forest Foundation and other organisations throughout the city and county, aiming for the broadest-reaching suicide awareness campaign in the area to date, with a number of organisations also lighting up their buildings in yellow on 10 September to show their support for the campaign.
The golden thread that runs through the messages from all involved in this campaign is the hope that if this message reaches even just one person and helps to save their life, the whole campaign is worthwhile.
A Nottingham born-and-bred spoken word poet, Chris Oliver, has also lent his talent to the campaign, filming a powerful video for NottAlone where he delivers his poem It’s OK to not be OK. In the poem Chris describes overcoming adversity and mental health challenges including suicidal thoughts, highlighting the key message of reaching out for help from friends, family, or support services.
Reflecting on his involvement with the suicide prevention campaign, Chris said:
“I’m really proud to be part of this project because it’s important to bring awareness to mental health for people. I’ve had my own struggles with mental health, and I’ve also supported young people that I’ve worked with in my roles at schools and alternative provisions.
“I hope that people who hear my poem realise that they’re not alone and that there is help out there for them, they just need to be willing to tap into it. I want them to know that there is hope.”
The film of the poem can be viewed on the NottAlone social media channels from 3pm on World Suicide Prevention Day.
For the first time, both Nottinghamshire County Council and Nottingham City Council are working together with the Nottingham branch of Samaritans to help reach even more people.
Grant Williams, who was a Samaritans listening volunteer for nine years and is now a Trustee of the Nottingham Samaritans Branch, said:
“We’re really encouraged by the way Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council are joining together on this campaign. It shows how important a message of hope can be and how powerful it is when organisations come together, and we’re proud to be involved.
“We want everyone to know that if you’re having these really hard feelings, you are not alone. The Samaritans phone lines are open 24hours a day and there will always be someone to answer your call.
“We have about 100 volunteers in Nottingham, we are non-judgemental and we are always here for you. You can call us on 116 123. If you call us, we’ll be there and we will listen.”
In an effort to encourage conversations and physical activity as part of the suicide prevention campaign, NottAlone has teamed up with Active Notts, Notts Talking Therapies and Nottingham Forest Foundation to organise local community walks.
The walks have been planned to encourage group walking and talking, which encompass two key measures of good mental health; a sense of community and getting active.
The mental health walks are taking place across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire around two pivotal mental health awareness days, World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September, and World Mental Health Day on 10 October:
- Sunday 13 September, 11am – 12noon, Idle Valley Nature Reserve, DN22 8RQ. The walk will be led by Notts Talking Therapies, meet at the Talking Therapies banner in the car park. No booking required.
- Thursday 24 September, 6-8pm, Tricky to Talk walk for wellbeing in conjunction with Nottingham Forest Foundation from the Nottingham Forest City Ground along the Embankment and back. Booking is essential via www.abler.io/shop/nottinghamforest/mentalhealth.
- Sunday 11 October, 11am – 12noon, Kingsmill Reservoir, NG17 4PA. The walk will be led by Notts Talking Therapies, meet at the Talking Therapies banner in the car park. No booking required.
Reflecting on the campaign and mental health walks, councillors at both Nottinghamshire County Council and Nottingham City Council expressed their support for the important message being shared.
Councillor Helen Kalsi, Executive Member for Adult Social Care and Health at Nottingham City Council, said:
“Suicide is such a complex issue, but by normalising conversations about mental health, we can show our residents that hope is always possible.
“Starting the conversation is the beginning of the process and although it can be difficult, residents can use the NottAlone.org.uk website to find local mental health advice and support services.
“These services are here to help people through difficult times. They will do everything they can to assist people who are struggling with suicidal thoughts or who have lost a loved one who has taken their own life.
“Throughout September – including on World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September – please look out for our social media posts online and our promotional materials and share them far and wide amongst family, friends, work colleagues and your communities. You don’t always know who is struggling.”
Councillor Jody Stoll, Cabinet Member for Communities and Public Health at Nottinghamshire County Council, said:
“I’m hugely supportive of this campaign, it’s all about reaching those people who are the most vulnerable and at risk of suicide and letting them know that it’s ok to talk about it. We want those people to know that they are not alone and help is available.
“Although it might seem daunting to reach out for help, once you’ve taken that first step you will find that help is always available to you. You can find links to support services and charities on the NottAlone website, NottAlone.org.uk, and I would encourage anyone who is struggling to speak to someone they trust and visit the NottAlone website together.
“The mental health walks are another great way to boost mental wellbeing, they allow people to connect, get fresh air and move their bodies positively. If you can’t attend one of the NottAlone mental health walks, I’d encourage you to seek out a local walking group, or invite a friend or neighbour for a walk.
“Finally, if you are worried about someone’s mental health, please don’t be afraid to start the conversation with them. You don’t have to have all the answers, just being there for someone can do more than you know.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or thoughts of suicide, it’s ok to talk about it. You can visit www.NottAlone.org.uk for helpful information and links to support services.
If you are struggling to cope, call 111 and select option 2 to speak to a mental health professional 24/7.
NottAlone is a partnership between Nottinghamshire County Council, Nottingham City Council and the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire NHS Integrated Care Board.