Two borough football club grounds are playing host to County Council representatives and volunteers to mark World Suicide Prevention Day on 10th September.
Each year, the initiative plays a vital role in highlighting the part that we can all play in helping improve the nation’s mental health.
Derbyshire County Council is supporting World Suicide Prevention Day by lighting up its headquarters along with other partners, including Derby City Council. This year’s theme is ‘Changing the Narrative’ and is all about starting a conversation around mental health and well-being.
Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Communities, Councillor Carol Hart said: “Over 6,500 people in the UK took their own lives in 2022 and that is 6,500 too many. We would implore anyone who is suffering to speak out. There is no shame if you are struggling, and help is out there.”
To get support around mental health, suicide prevention and other emotional health and well-being issues, you can call the Derbyshire Mental Health Support line on 0800 028 0077 or visit: derbyandderbyshireemotionalhealthandwellbeing.uk
There will also be a range of suicide prevention events taking place across Derbyshire with football match days aiming to reach thousands of people during late August and throughout September and October.
Mental health and suicide prevention team will be working with volunteers to hand out suicide prevention and mental health information leaflets at locations including Pride Park Stadium for the game on 14th September, whilst Grange Park, the home of Long Eaton United will see a presence on 5th October.
Ilkeston Town FC is also set to host representatives during an evening match fixture, the date of which is to be confirmed.
Other regional clubs will also be taking part.
A range of free suicide prevention training opportunities are available at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/mentalhealthtraining
Suicide in England and Wales is three times more common among men than among women. There is dedicated support for men’s mental health in Derbyshire led by Mentell. Find out more at www.mentell.org.uk
For other local men’s support groups within Derbyshire visit the Derbyshire Mental Health Map.
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