Former Blue Peter host Anthea Turner has joined Lou Macari, Nathan Heaney, and organisations across Staffordshire to raise awareness of suicide prevention. The campaign, Just Say Something, is a pledge to empower people and ultimately save lives.
Through charitable organisation Brighter Futures, Staffordshire Police, and Staffordshire County Council, the county has come together to create a free video and spark conversations about thoughts of suicide and awareness.
Any death of a loved one, friend, family member, work colleague, or even that of someone you knew through social circles can have a devasting and profound effect on those touched. A host of celebrities and organisations have joined forces with a shared goal to save lives in our community.
Suicide remains the most preventable cause of death in England – with figures showing 5,691 registered deaths in 2019. That’s a staggering one every 90 minutes. Male suicide also continues to be three times higher than females – a trend that’s continued since the mid-’90s.
It is hoped that this video won’t only be a valuable resource for someone in need but, help others to start a conversation with someone they’re concerned about.
Sophie Henaughan, Manager of the Suicide Prevention Community Champions project at Brighter Futures, says: “The importance of talking about mental health cannot be overstressed. As a community, we must do more to help each other and start talking about our mental health. One in five people think about suicide in their lifetime, one in fifteen attempt it. These are alarming figures.
“With suicide rates increasing, we must come together and find ways of engaging in conversations. They could be lifesaving.
“The Just Say Something campaign helps to drive change, towards a mentally healthy society for all and supports our local communities across Staffordshire. We want people to lead healthy lives by encouraging more to speak out and talk about their mental health. Just one conversation could save a person’s life. Let’s start talking more.”
The Staffordshire Mental Health Helpline, another Brighter Futures service, supported people to manage thoughts of suicide on 271 occasions in the financial year 2020/21. The majority of these callers coming from the 16-25 age bracket.
The Just Say Something video will be released in time for World Suicide Prevention Day and available to view on all service social media channels. Real-life snippets from people with experience of suicide loss will be featured.