Greater Manchester is working together to get local people talking about their mental health and wellbeing.
As the world marks Suicide Prevention Day on Saturday 10th September, Chair of the Greater Manchester Mental Health Strategic Partnership Board Jim Battle has reaffirmed the city-region’s commitment to transforming mental health services, with a new approach to early help and prevention.
Jim, who is also Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, is also backing the Samaritan’s #ITSOKAYTOTALK campaign, encouraging people to talk about mental health and seek help and support when they need it.
More than 6,000 people take their own lives each year across the UK and Ireland, with 277 suicides registered in Greater Manchester in 2014.
Jim said: “Suicide can be prevented if we all play a part in challenging the stigma and silence around mental health and encouraging loved ones to talk about their feelings, anxieties and worries before they reach crisis point.
“We also need to make it simpler and easier for people to reach out for help, ensuring mental health services are consistent, effective, and help save lives. That is what we are doing in Greater Manchester, focussing on early intervention and prevention and working with voluntary organisations and people who access mental health services to shape services around the needs of local people.”
A Greater Manchester-wide approach to preventing suicide is due to be launched later this year, which includes using technology to signpost people to support services. Last week, Salford also launched its #22toomany suicide prevention campaign, with staff from the Clinical Commissioning Group taking part in the Salford 10k to raise awareness of the issue.
Jim added: “There is a lot of work underway across Greater Manchester to coordinate and share best practice around suicide prevention. I’m fully supportive of the work Salford are doing, with all agencies working together to ensure that the right support is available when people are in crisis. This is the kind of approach I want to see across Greater Manchester.”
The Greater Manchester Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy, launched earlier this year, marks a step change in the region’s approach to mental health services, bringing communities, employers, education authorities and health and social care organisations to improve the mental health and wellbeing of individuals and families. This includes 24/7 mental health services for children and young people, improving access to community-based services, and working with employers.
On Monday 26 September voluntary and faith organisations will come together for a full-day conference to find out more about the transformation of mental health services across Greater Manchester, share best practice and develop new ways to work with health and social care organisations to drive forward improvements and engage with service users. Find out more and how to book here.
If you, or a loved one, are suffering a mental health crisis help is available:
· Contact Samaritans on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org/ for help and advice.
· Contact Mind 0300 123 3393 or visit www.mind.org.uk/
· Self Help Services also provide crisis care services in Greater Manchester. Contact their crisis support line 0300 003 7029 or visit www.selfhelpservices.org.uk
(image credits- www.123.rf.com)