Welcome to the August 2021 edition of your Derbyshire Mental Health Network Newsletter from Derbyshire County Council Public Health. Included in the Newsletter are details of training, events, resources, campaigns and other mental health news of interest to support cross-sector workforce development. As World Suicide Prevention Day is on 10 September this edition focuses on suicide prevention.

For frequently updated information on looking after your mental health and wellbeing during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, click here for staff support information and click here for information for the general public on the Joined Up Care Derbyshire website.

World Suicide Prevention Day 2021 is on 10 September

World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) is an awareness day observed on 10 September every year. Organised by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) , the purpose of the day is to promote worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides.
The international theme for World Suicide Prevention Day 2021 is ‘Creating Hope Through Action’. This message aims to inspire confidence in people to engage with the subject, so as to empower and equip people with the skills and confidence to connect with someone they think may be struggling.
On IASP’s website can be found WSPD 2021 banners in various languages, Light a Candle resources, suggested activities, and other IASP WSPD information and resources.
If you or someone you know is feeling suicidal there are people you can talk to:

Speak to a friend, family member or someone you trust
Use the Derbyshire Mental Health Helpline and Support Service , which is provided by experienced mental health practitioners and is open 24 hours per day, seven days a week, tel: 0800 028 0077
Call the Samaritans 24-hour support service on telephone 116 123 or contact Samaritans online
Use the Staying Safe website for support, information and making your own safety plan
Contact NHS 111 , though be aware of delays in accessing this service
Make an urgent appointment to see your GP, who may be operating a callback service
Ring 999
If you require urgent medical intervention go to your nearest emergency department.

For further help and advice read about the support you can get in a crisis .

National Suicide Prevention Alliance free resources

The National Suicide Prevention Alliance (NSPA) is an alliance of public, private and voluntary organisations in England who care about suicide prevention and are willing to take individual and collective action to reduce suicide and self-harm, and support those bereaved or affected by suicide.
In relation to this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day international theme of ‘Creating Hope Through Action’ NSPA are focusing on and exploring the idea of ‘hope’ in suicide prevention. They are creating a social media toolkit for their members and anyone else interested in suicide prevention to use on the day to raise awareness of suicide and help prevent death by suicide. You can sign up to receive your free NSPA World Suicide Prevention Day 2021 social media toolkit here . NSPA will also be providing free digital resources for use throughout the day, as well as additional information which will be available on this webpage around the end of August.
NSPA believe that everyone has a role to play in reducing the number of suicides and improving support for those affected by suicide. Derbyshire County Council are a member of NSPA along with various other local organisations including for example Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Rural Action Derbyshire, Derbyshire Law Centre, Derbyshire Victim Services, The Derbyshire Federation for Mental Health, Trent PTS and Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust. This World Suicide Prevention Day we’re encouraging further Derbyshire organisations to make a commitment to suicide prevention by signing-up to become a member of NSPA. Any organisation can become a member and membership is free. By joining NSPA organisations gain access to collaborative work, events, and opportunities to raise your profile through their website, newsletter and other forums. For information how to sign-up click here .

Free Samaritans Suicide in the Media training for Derbyshire organisations and media

Derbyshire County Council Public Health are working closely with the Samaritans Media Advisory Service with the aim of increasing responsible reporting and communications to prevent suicides. This project will help to promote and embed good practice to reduce stigma, de-sensationalise communications and to promote positive and responsible reporting and information-sharing in relation to suicide. As part of this project the Media Advisory Service are offering free Samaritans Suicide in the Media training to Derbyshire organisations and media, details of which are below.
The Suicide in the Media sessions give an overview of key points including:

suicide and contagion - some insights into the behaviour and high-risk groups
findings from international research into media portrayals of suicide - the main risks and how these can be reduced
new and emerging suicide methods
helpful coverage - with examples of how media can support national efforts to improve public understanding and prevent further deaths
common challenges faced by journalists, including high profile deaths, inquests, youth suicides and clusters, social media and the online environment
support and resources available from Samaritans Media Advisory Service

These above advice sessions can be tailored to any Derbyshire organisation or media who communicates about suicide and self-harm, to try and ensure coverage is responsible. The training is free and can be delivered by Zoom/Teams/Google Meet or similar and run for approximately 60 minutes. To find out more or to book a session please email Samaritans at mediaadvice@samaritans.org

New phase of Small Talk Saves Lives campaign

Further new research has confirmed that when asked, people with experience of suicidal thoughts said that verbal interventions, including small talk, providing reassurance and listening, are the most helpful things a person can do to respond to someone in a crisis. Related to this Samaritans in partnership with Network Rail, British Transport Police and the wider rail industry, has launched a new phase of their Small Talk Saves Lives campaign to empower the public to act to prevent suicide in the rail environment and other settings.
After a tough year and as the nation begins to readjust to life with easing of restrictions, the campaign reminds the public they already have the skills to start a conversation with someone who needs help, giving them the confidence to act. You can watch the Samaritans new Small Talk Saves Lives campaign video on YouTube here . You can also read Samaritans advice on How to start a conversation with somebody who needs help here - which includes signs someone may need help, how to get started, next steps and other useful information.

Derbyshire mental health training – face-to-face and virtual delivery

The Derbyshire County Council Public Health mental health training offer includes both face-to-face and virtual (online interactive) delivery of courses. Details can be found on the Derbyshire County Council website mental health training webpage,.
New course dates will be released via the above webpage and where referred to via Eventbrite. Places can often fill-up very quickly because of high demand, however the courses form part of rolling programmes with new dates being released and added throughout the year. Anyone interested in training is advised to revisit the webpage regularly. Please note we receive a large number of mental health training enquiries and shall reply to you as soon as we are able.