Brighton charity urges people to learn how to prevent suicide
A Brighton charity is urging people to learn how to prevent others from taking their own lives ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day on Monday (10 September).
The charity, Grassroots, is inviting people to a training workshop, setting up two stalls in Brighton and encouraging “real talk” to tackle an issue that is still surrounded by stigma.
Grassroots chief executive Stella Comber said: “Many people fear talking about suicide in case they get it wrong or even put the idea in a person’s head.
“Talking about suicide needn’t be confronting. It can be gentle and reassuring but more importantly it could help save a life.
“Our ‘Real Talk’ workshops are designed for everyone. They use clear and simple language to help reach out and support a person who might be struggling.
“It’s important that we understand how common these thoughts are so that we start to break down the stigma and the fear of talking.
“We need to get right away from the belief that somehow talking makes it worse. Talking about suicide is ok. Yes, it takes courage but its courage that we all have.
“Most deaths by suicide in Brighton and Hove and across the UK take place in the community not in mental health settings. So it’s down to us to start that conversation.
“That’s why we want more people to get involved. It’s essential that we pass on the skills and confidence needed to save lives.
“By working together, supporting each other we really can make a difference.”
Grassroots is hosting a free hour-long “Real Talk” workshop followed by a half-hour screening of its Change Maker video at 68 Middle Street, Brighton.
To book a place – at 6.30pm on Monday (10 September) – click here.
Real Talk is described as “a short awareness-raising session, designed to dispel some of the myths around suicide and promote open and straightforward talk about suicide”.
Grassroots will also have information stalls at Brighton station and the Jubilee Library.
And from tomorrow (Sunday 9 September) until Tuesday 18 September, Brighton station will host a photography exhibition on the wall by the wooden entrance and exit walkway on the east side of the station.
With the theme of “Working Together”, it will include portraits of local people who care about suicide in the community and are taking action to prevent it.
Grassroots Suicide Prevention was set up in 2006 to use education and innovation to help make communities safer from suicide.
It is not a crisis service. Anyone feeling suicidal can contact the Samaritans at any time, day or night, by phoning 116123 or emailing jo@samaritans.org.
