World Suicide Prevention Day: Raising awareness to end the stigma
World Suicide Prevention Day is on 10th September, and Wellingborough-based suicide prevention and mental health charity, We Mind & Kelly Matters, will be hosting their first awareness day event at Harrowden Hall.
It is estimated that in the UK, 17 people die by suicide every day, which is more than 6,800 a year. Suicide is the single biggest killer of men under the age of 45, but suicides among teenage girls and young women have almost doubled in recent years. This year’s theme, Creating Hope Through Action, is a reminder that there is an alternative to suicide, and aims to remind us that our actions, no matter how big or small, may provide hope to those who are struggling.
We Mind & Kelly Matters CEO Sherry Adams said: “We believe in the power of talking to someone. It can be the first step to reaching out for help and support as well as being the source of healing and recovery. Some may find this extremely painful and difficult, but we are here to help them every step of the way, so that people will know what to do if they reach crisis point.”
The event will run from 10.30am until 1.30pm and will be packed with information and guest speakers, as well as information about the charity and how it can help those in need. The session will conclude with some shared lived experiences, and a moment to remember all those impacted by suicide.
Guests will also be able to meet some members of the Loneliest Road Challenge – which will see 23 Kelly’s Heroes taking on a gruelling 30-day, 52,000 miles cycle ride across Europe and the USA – and add their own mileage to the total by having a go at beating one of the team in a static bike challenge.
Sherry added: “Each and every suicide is devastating and has a profound impact on those around them. However, by raising awareness, reducing the stigma around suicide, and encouraging well informed action, we can reduce instances of suicide around the world. World Suicide Prevention Day is an opportunity to raise awareness of suicide and to promote action through proven means that will reduce the number of suicides and suicide attempts globally.”
The charity is also hoping to set a new world record and is aiming for 20,000 pledges between September 10 and October 10, which is World Mental Health Day, by asking people to use their voice and pledge to Stamp Out Stigma surrounding suicide. The charity wants to normalise the importance of having discussions, exploring suicidal thoughts, and make it safe for people to speak up.
To make your pledge for suicide awareness and be part of the world record attempt visit: www.wemindandkellymatters.org.uk/stamp-out-stigma
To support the Loneliest Road Challenge, visit the Just Giving page at: https://bit.ly/3Q6Sr7E
For more information about the charity and to book a place at the Harrowden Hall event, email: katie.macdonald@wemindandkellymatters.org.uk
