World Suicide Prevention Day 2021 is taking place on Friday 10 September, to raise awareness of how we can work together to prevent suicide.
Due to the current global pandemic, it’s more important than ever to understand how you can stay connected with yourself and others to help fight suicidal thoughts.
It can be a daunting experience talking about, or talking to, someone who is feeling suicidal, but research shows that talking about your feelings can make a huge difference. As well as talking about your feelings, trying some of the suggestions below may help improve your mental health and wellbeing:
- Joining an online support community
- Exercising – such as going for a walk or run to clear your mind
- Socialising – being around your friends and family can help improve your mood
- Relaxation techniques – like reading a book or meditating
- Keeping a diary – noting down your thoughts can help you identify patterns or triggers
But most importantly, if you or anyone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, please know that support is available.
There is a great range of support available for staff at the College including:
Mental Health Ambassadors – Mental Health (sharepoint.com)
Our college Mental Health Ambassadors will provide a supportive listening ear to any colleague who needs it. They will listen, support and signpost if needed to other sources of help.
Employee Assistance Programme (PAM Assist) which includes the Employee Counselling Service - Employee Counselling Service (sharepoint.com)
PAM Assist offer a 24 hour, 365 day confidential telephone support and counselling service and also provide access to their extensive on-line help resources via their website.
Other Mental Health Resources/Training - Mental Health (sharepoint.com)
Access to mental health support tools and mental health training.
Other Health and Wellbeing Resources – Health and Wellbeing (sharepoint.com)
As well as mental health information, you can find support for carers, planning for your retirement, cancer in the workplace and menopause at work.
Please contact Karina Buchanan, HR Business Manager, for further information on health and wellbeing for staff.
You can also get in touch with any of the below organisations:
Samaritans
Telephone free – 116 123
Email – jo@samaritans.org
Web – www.samaritans.org
SHOUT – Free text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258
Breathing Space
Telephone - 0800 83 85 87 (Weekdays: Monday-Thursday 6pm to 2am and Weekend: Friday 6pm-Monday 6am)
Web – Need to talk? (breathingspace.scot)
Stay Alive App
Web - www.prevent-suicide.org.uk/find-help-now/stay-alive-app
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) – for men
Telephone – 0800 58 58 58 (5pm to midnight every day)
Web Chat – www.thecalmzone.net/help/webchat
Papyrus – for people under 35
Telephone – 0800 068 41 41 (9:00 am to 12:00 am (midnight) every day)
Text – 07860 039967
Email – pat@papyrus-uk.org
Web – www.papyrus-uk.org
Let’s work together to break the stigma and help prevent suicide. Join the conversation - #WSPD2021 #WorldSuicidePreventionDay