A new campaign has been launched to encourage people in Greater Manchester to talk about suicide, the biggest killer of men under 49 and women aged between 20 to 34 in the region.
More than 200 people a year take their own life in Greater Manchester and leaders across the city region have said “enough is enough” and that “it’s time to break the stigma of talking about suicide, suicidal thoughts and suicide bereavement”.
It follows research and evidence among people who have considered suicide, that talking honestly and openly about suicide helped to save their lives.
The #shiningalightonsuicide campaign has been created to prevent suicides and aims to take the subject out of the dark by encouraging everyone across Greater Manchester to talk openly about suicide.
The #shiningalightonsuicide campaign has been commissioned by Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership and is supported by the Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and partners including NHS, councils, emergency services, Armed Forces’ veterans, voluntary groups such as Samaritans, the LGBT Foundation and many others.
“The #shiningalightonsuicide campaign will not only highlight the facts about suicide in our city region but show people that there is nothing to be feared in talking about suicide and mental health.
Please encourage someone to talk before suicide seems their only option. Together, we can help prevent suicide.
Find out how at shiningalightonsuicide.org.uk
Take the free 20-minute online Suicide Prevention training
If you’re struggling to cope call Samaritans on 116 123
#shiningalightonsuicide