Suicide Prevention Event In Stockport Reflection
Mar, 17 2015
We all feel down now and again but the life of person who suffers with suicidal tendencies can feel much more than down. Their whole perspective of life could be so low that they feel overwhelmed and find they have no way out.
On Thursday March 12th between 1-4pm at Stockport Art Gallery, Stockport Collaborative brought together people who shared insight and discussion over what was scheduled to be a “Suicide Prevention Event”.
Statistics show that one in four people who kill themselves are in contact with mental health services at the time of their death. Additionally, those who are in contact have very little direct time with these professionals.
Sufficient knowledge, understanding and resources will help us deal with a person who is considering suicide. Confidence, communication, collaborative working and application of knowledge are skills needed to aide the distress and anguish a person is experiencing who is wishing to end their life prematurely.
Here is a summary of what happened during the afternoon of March 12th 2015:-
The day’s proceedings began at lunchtime 12.30pm which covered registration, a quiz and market stall.
At 1pm there was open introductions, housekeeping and a running order. This was taken care of by Chris Jefferies, chair of Stockport Samaritans.
By 1.05pm The Stockport Council perspective was considered. The speaker was Councillor Pantall, council executive member for health and well- being.
At ten past one local context was presented by Elysabeth Williams, public health advisor – suicide prevention lead.
By 1.25pm our very own Russell Hogarth and CCG colleague Ketran Eastham took to the floor delivering their own personal experience and the impact this has had on communities.
Daniel Pratt, clinical psychologist from the suicide research centre at Manchester University then took over to deal with suicide prevention :- a psychological perspective.
A well- earned break was then given at 2.15pm followed by a conclusion of the quiz, an opportunity to network and visit local service stalls.
Chris Jefferies was then on helm at 2.45pm-3pm revealing the answers to the quiz ‘Getting to know the facts and myths about suicide’.
Stockport voices then guided us through a 30 minute session on learning through experience, what helps, what doesn’t and what we need to do differently.
Elysabeth Williams returned to speak about what we are doing in Stockport for a period of ten minutes.
At 3.40pm it was an opportunity to ask any questions to the speaker panel. This session lasted for fifteen minutes.
Chris Jefferies rapped up the afternoon with closing remarks, thanks and evaluations. The day’s proceedings concluded at 4pm.
The Suicide Prevention event in Stockport was designed to raise awareness and change attitudes towards suicidal distress in and around the community. Personal accounts were presented in a way that gave clear insight into the life of someone who has experienced suicidal tendencies/or has cared for someone in the midst of a suicidal attempt. To improve the skills of a carer or someone close to the suicidal person there were crucial matters brought to mind such as how to recognise and respond if a suicidal crisis was to occur. Finally, to help the people of Stockport to assist those that may contemplate suicide there was ample time to find and locate specific services and resources that are available in the community as well as an opportunity to network with colleague and acquaintances at the half way point of the meeting.
On behalf of the CCG ( Creative Communities Group ) based at UCLAN, Preston, we thank those that played a part on the day and for helping raise the awareness of a critical area in mental health. It’s important also to remember that suicide doesn’t just occur in Stockport alone throughout the UK and abroad many people experience this severe mental health condition. Hopefully, this is the beginning of preventing more suicidal attempts happening and may we learn the direct action to take from this excellent event.
