Cumbrian residents are invited to take part in the first-ever suicide awareness and prevention social media surgery this week.
The surgery, which is to take place on the Cumbria Police Facebook page, between 7pm and 9pm tomorrow – World Suicide Prevention Day – has been organised to give the public the chance to ask any questions they have surrounding mental health and suicide.
It has been organised by Cumbria Constabulary which has teamed up with suicide prevention charities and partner agencies.
The panel hosting the event will consist of representatives from the Samaritans, Every Life Matters, Cumbria County Council, NHS and the police.
Practitioners will be available to advise people on the services available in the county that can help anyone struggling to cope with mental health issues and thoughts of suicide.
The public will also have the option to send a private message on Facebook to the panel, with their question or concern.
“Suicide prevention is everyone’s business. We can all learn to recognise when someone’s mental health is at risk, or having thoughts of suicide, and we can all play a part in offering support,” said Chris Woods of Every Life Matters.
“If you are worried about someone, this surgery is an opportunity to get some guidance about what you can do, and information about what help and support might be available locally and nationally.”
Superintendent Carl Patrick, Cumbria Constabulary, said: “These are challenging times and it is understandable that some people will be feeling worried or anxious.
“We have been working with partners from the Cumbria Suicide Prevention leadership group to help reduce the incidents of suicides and self-harm across the county.
“We are doing this by increasing awareness, promoting wellbeing for everyone and reducing the stigma associated with self-harm and suicide.
“We aim to do everything possible to stop people losing friends and relatives to suicide.
“This latest joint initiative provides an opportunity for partner agencies to provide information to the public, and for people who need help or are concerned about someone they know to make contact privately with people who can provide advice and support.”
