Pictured with Nigel is Alice Hendy, R;pple Founder & CEO
This week (10 Sept – 16 Sept) marks National Suicide Prevention Week with mental health charities across the country, along with healthcare providers and government, coming together to encourage people to open up and talk about those difficult topics surrounding mental health.
This year Suicide Prevention Week coincides with the launch of a new national strategy aimed at significantly reducing England’s suicide rate. The Government has pledged to reduce England’s suicide rate within 2 and a half years with more than 100 measures being taken including a national alert system to combat emerging methods of suicide and refreshed guidance for first responders.
Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said:
“Too many people are still affected by the tragedy of suicide, which is so often preventable. This national cross-government strategy details over 100 actions we’ll take to ensure anyone experiencing the turmoil of a crisis has access to the urgent support they need.
“It’s imperative we support people earlier to prevent them reaching the lowest point, while tackling emerging methods of suicide and eradicating harmful material online. We’re working at pace to achieve this, and we continue to invest billions of pounds to transform and improve our nation’s mental health services, and - most importantly - save lives.”
Member of Parliament for the Ribble Valley, Nigel Evans met with representatives from charities, not-for-profits and business in Westminster earlier in the week to discuss what is being done to help prevent suicide and support those in need.
One of those charities, Ripple Suicide Prevention is working with tech companies to intervene and intercept harmful searches (whilst maintaining user privacy), signposting to free and confidential 24/7 mental health support services. Anyone can install their software which is free to use and proven to help break the negative thought pattern which led to a harmful search.
Nigel also had the opportunity to meet with representatives from Jacobs who operate in the engineering and construction sector. They have successfully developed a free online mental health check-in tool aimed at enhancing users' understanding of their current state of mind and providing proactive strategies for personal mental health development.
You can access Jacobs online mental health check in tool at: https://www.oml.world/
Nigel Evans commented:
“Suicide is something which has touched so many lives, yet something which many people are still so afraid to speak about. One of the reasons that it is so very tragic is that it is preventable. Through raising the profile of charities like Ripple Suicide Prevention and others, I hope we can encourage more people to feel they are able to talk about their mental health. Simply talking to a loved one and asking whether they are ok can be all it takes to make the difference.
“I would encourage everyone to take a look at the tools on offer and check in with their own mental health and those closest to them.”
If you are struggling with your mental health there is support available - Samaritans: Call 116 123 - Shout: Text 85258