Help create a world where fewer people die by suicide.

In these unprecedented circumstances, taking care of each other and our own mental health is especially important. Which is why Hyndburn Council is taking part in World Suicide Prevention Day 2020 on the 10th September. The theme this year is ‘Working together to prevent suicide’.

Every year, suicide is among the top 20 leading causes of death globally for people of all ages. It is responsible for over 800,000 deaths, which equates to one suicide every 40 seconds.

Council Leader, Cllr Miles Parkinson OBE, said;

“Now more than ever, mental health needs to be taken seriously. As a council, we will be working to raise awareness about the issue and reducing the stigma associated with mental health problems. This is why Hyndburn Council is taking part in World Suicide Prevention Day 2020 on the 10th September by raising awareness, talking and working together to prevent suicide.”

Cllr Glen Harrison said:

“Suicide is a big killer, especially among males. At times Male bravado preventing them from talking through their issues. So often society tells us we need to be ‘resilient’ or we need to ‘keep calm and carry on’. Sometimes the hardest step to take is the one where we say ‘help’.

I have lost friends and also family to suicide. I know people that suffer from depression every single day. Mental health is an everyday part of many people’s lives and we all find ways to cope.”

Cllr Lorraine Cox said:

“We have all known or have been touched by suicide in our life’s. We live in a world that moves at such a pace we struggle to understand how this affects us or those around us.

It is easy to say in hindsight such things as ‘the darkness will pass, grab the light and the future has hope.’ But unless you have experienced this, then it’s a huge lonely place to find yourself.

It’s a simple message but talking and reaching out is the first step. A small step but a step that could take you on a different journey. 

We all need to stop in our lives and look around us and really start to listen, because as well as talking it is just as important to listen.”

So let’s work together to prevent suicide.

If you or somebody you know is suffering please use the information below:

Samaritans helpline: 116 123
Mind website: https://www.mind.org.uk/