Happy New Year
Welcome to the third edition for the Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES) Suicide Prevention newsletter to keep you informed about the suicide prevention work underway and up to date with the latest information on events and training opportunities and resources. Please feel free to subscribe and forward onto others.
If you would like more information, to share any updates on any work you are doing relating to suicide prevention or to contribute an article or resources please get in touch by emailing suicide_prevention@bathnes.gov.uk
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In this newsletter:
- Latest News
- Training
- Tools
- Key Dates
- Spotlight on LGBTQ+ Sources of Support and Training
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Latest News
B&NES Suicide Prevention Livewell Page
There are now more support sections on the Livewell page for people with learning disabilities, the LGBTQ+ community, people in financial difficulty and sectors including health care and Armed Forces community. Click here to view the page.
Courses for Care Home Workers and Residents Running from January- March 2022
There are FREE creative activities on The Wellbeing College to raise spirits, say THANK YOU! and celebrate staff and residents in Care Homes and in the community across B&NES. The courses have been organised by Creativity Works and funded through the Workforce Development Fund managed by the B&NES Community Wellbeing Hub. Click here to view the programme.
Brew Monday 2022
The third Monday in January is sometimes referred to as "Blue Monday" or "the most difficult day of the year" but this is a myth. Samaritans are putting a stop to this myth about Monday being "blue" and instead a start conversation over a brew! Reach out and connect with family, friends, colleagues and loved ones. Click here to view the resources.
Mental Health Awareness Week 2022
Mental Health Awareness Week 2022 will take place 9th - 15th May on the topic of loneliness. Loneliness is affecting more and more of us in the UK and has had a huge impact on our physical and metal health during the pandemic. In May we will be raising awareness of the impact of loneliness on our mental wellbeing and the practical steps we can take to address it. Read more here.
New Research on Ethnic Groups' Experiences of Suicide Bereavement: A Quality Exploratory Study
The study aimed to understand the experiences and support needs of individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds beavered by suicide and was the first in the UK to investigate this matter. 7158 participants were involved in the study and completed an online survey about their experiences of suicide. Four themes were identified: maladaptive coping strategies, emotional processes following suicide, lack of support from agencies and the importance of mental health awareness. Ethnic minority groups reported a lack of support despite attempts to engage with services, noted the the prevalence of stigma within ethnic minority groups, and expressed a need to tackle this. The preliminary results suggest that ethnic minority individuals require visible and accessible services that can successfully engage with and support them. Read more about the study here.
Zero Suicide Alliance (ZSA) Training Endorsed by the Royal College of Nursing
The free ZSA training has been official endorsed by the Royal College of Nursing, the world's largest nursing union and professional body.
Association Directors for Public Health Bespoke Guidance For The Health, Education, Policing and Housing Sectors on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Trauma
Funded by the Health Foundation, the ADPH have produced a series of bespoke guidance documents to explore how trauma informed approaches have put into practice within the UK across four different sectors: Education, Health, Housing and Policing.
New Population Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Data Updates
The profiles produced by OHID to help develop understanding at a local level and support policy and practice have been updated, see links below:
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Training
Emergency Services Evidence-Based Training
Suicide Bereavement UK are launching a evidence and practice-based "Responding To Suicide" training module. This training offers emergency services professionals an opportunity to build knowledge, confidence and skills in responding to and better supporting those bereaved or affected by suicide. For more information, click here.
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Bath Mind is now delivering "Suicide First Aid Lite" and full day Suicide First Aid courses
Bath Mind is now delivering the accredited and widely endorsed Suicide First Aid training courses for both workplaces and individuals. The courses will give learners the knowledge and tools to understand that suicide is one of the most preventable deaths in an evidence - based and interactive format which covers both theoretical and practical skills. To view the Suicide First Aid Training Brochure, see here and dates to sign up are below.
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Tools
Share Guide
ZSA has launched the Share guide and decision tool for frontline health and social care staff. The tool aims to increase confidence and encourages betters partnerships with agencies in the best interest of those needing support. Download a copy of the guide here.
Suicide Prevention Resource Map
ZSA and NHS Benchmarking Network have created a Suicide Prevention Resource Map. This map enables you to gain a more in-depth picture of your community, including over 100 different health, social, and service related factors that contribute to people dying by suicide. View the map here.
Sinking Feeling Animation
PAPYRUS and Blue Zoo, BAFTA Award-Winning animation studio have created a short animation highlighting the heart-breaking reality that many children and young people experience when suffering in silence without the vital help and support they need. They hope to encourage more people to view the animation, spot the signs and reach-in to guide young people away from thoughts of suicide. See the animation here.
On the Edge - Suicide Prevention Film
Almost 500 construction workers take their own lives every year in the UK and Ireland. AKT Productions, Ambanja Films and BAM Construction have produced a free resource to draw attention to the suicide rates among construction industry workers in the hope that it will stimulate difficult but essential prevention conversation. The video is endorsed by The Lighthouse Club, construction industry charity which provides emotional, physical and financial wellbeing support to construction workers and their families. See the short film here.
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The Little Book of Minding Your Head
There are a number of mental health risk factors associated with agriculture. Created by Dr Amy Irwin and her team from the University of Aberdeen, NTSAg, Mental Health First Aid England and NFU Mutual have developed a new pocket guide called Little Book of Minding Your Mind. This guide is produced specifically for those working in agricultural and allied industries and raises awareness of mental health and stress management. Download your copy from here.
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Key Dates
Training, Events and Support
JANUARY
- 21st January - Suicide Bereavement UK Suicide Bereavement and Language module. Sign up here.
- 24th January - Suicide Bereavement UK Talking with Children and Young People When There Has Been a Suicide. Sign up here.
- 20th, 25th, 27th January - Bath Mind are delivering online mental health first aid sessions. Sign up here.
- 27th January - The National Suicide Prevention Alliance Conference: Suicide prevention at the heart of the Covid recovery. Sign up here.
- 29th January - Gloucestershire Counselling Service - Working Therapeutically with Suicide & Suicidal Ideation. Sign up here.
- 31st January - RSSB Webinar | Suicide Prevention. Free webinar and open to all cross- industry partners. Sign up here.
FEBRUARY
- 1st February - Child Bereavement UK Bereavement by Suicide: Supporting Children and Young People (3 hour webinar). Sign up here.
- 3rd February - Time to Talk Day. Download the pack here.
- 8th February - 3GS Raising the Profile of Green Social Prescribing in the Somer Valley area. Sign up here.
- 9th February - Samaritans Managing Suicide Conservations - digital course. Sign up here.
- 17th February - Bath Mind Online MHFA Refresh. Sign up here.
- 24th February - Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide Support After Suicide Workshop. Sign up here.
- 28th February - 6th March - Eating Disorder Awareness Week. Download the pack here.
MARCH
- 1st March - Self Injury Awareness Day. Download the pack here.
- 2nd March - Child Bereavement UK Bereavement by Suicide: Supporting Children and Young People (3 hour webinar). Sign up here.
- 2nd March UCL IoMH Symposium - Neurodiversity. Sign up here.
- 4th March - Suicide Bereavement UK Suicide Bereavement and Language module. Sign up here.
- 4th March - Children Bereavement UK: Understanding traumatic bereavement in children and young people. Sign up here.
- 7th March - Suicide Bereavement UK Talking with Children and Young people When There Has Been a Suicide. Sign up here.
- 9th March - Mind Physical Activity and Mental Health Webinar Series. Sign up here.
- 9th March - International Women's Day. Download the pack here.
- 10th March- Bath Mind Online Suicide First Aid. Deadline to register Monday 28th February. Sign up here.
- 23rd, 25th, 30th March- Bath Mind Online Mental Health First Aid. Sign up here. Deadline to register 14th March.
APRIL
- 1st April - Bath Mind Online Mental Health First Aid. See link above
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Spotlight on LGBTQ+ Support
Mental health problems can affect any of us but they're more common among people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT). This may be because of discrimination, bullying, social isolation or rejection because of their sexuality. There are other influencing factors can come into play. Below is a list of sources of support available locally and nationally:
LOCAL
- SPACE LGBTQ Youth Group and 1-1 support run by Off the Record for young people aged 13-21 years- also a group for under 13's called "Space to Be." Off the Record can support individuals with transport costs if needed. Email:space@offtherecord-banes.co.uk or complete the referral form
- Gay West is a social and support group covering Bath and the surrounding area. Find out more information here.
NATIONAL
- MindOut - is a mental health service run by and for lesbians, gay, bisexual, trans and queer people. The service is based in Brighton and Hove but has national out-of-hours online chat service open Mondays - Sundays with various open times, view here.
- Galop - is a LGBT+ anti-abuse charity which gives support and advice on various topics. They run LGBTQ+ domestic abuse helpline 0800 999 5428 | Conversion Therapy Helpline 0800 130 3335 | LGBT+ Hate Crime Helpline 020 7704 2040.
- Gendered intelligence - is a charity that exists to increase understanding of gender diversity and improve trans people's quality of life. Contact the Support Line Mondays - Fridays. on 0330 355 9678.
- MindLine Trans - provides emotional and mental health support helpline for anyone identifying as transgender, non-binary, genderfluid. Contact Monday, Wednesdays and Friday from 8pm - 12pm on 0330 330 546
- Imaan - is a charity that supports lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer or questioning LGBTQ Muslims, providing an online forum where people can share experiences and ask for help.
- LGBTQ+ Switchboard - provides information, support and referral for lesbians, gay men and bisexual and trans people - and anyone considering issues around their sexuality and / or gender identity. Call 0300 330 0630 Mondays-Sundays or chat online or email: chris@switchboard.lgbt
- Live Through This - is a cancer support and advocacy charity for the LGBTQ+ community.
- FFLAG - is a voluntary organisation and charity dedicated to supporting families and their LGBTQ+ loved ones. Contact their helpline on 0300 688 0368 open Wednesdays - Saturdays, 10am - 8pm.
- Micro Rainbows - provides safe housing to and moving on programmes to LGBTQI asylum seekers and refugees
- Pink Therapy - is the UK's largest independent therapy organisation working with gender and sexual diversity clients. There is an online directory of qualitied therapists who identify as or are understanding of minority and gender identity.
Young people
- Mermaids - provides support to transgender, non-binary and gender-diverse children and young people up until their 20th birthday and their families and professionals involved in their care. A web chat is available for students up to the age of 25 and a helpline is open Mondays - Fridays 9am - 9pm on 0808 801 0400.
- Albert Kennedy Trust - is a charity which works with LGBTQ+ young people at risk of homelessness. AKT Live Chat is open Mondays - Fridays and for LGBTQ+ young people aged 16 - 25 years. Office based in Bristol.
- The Proud Trust - is a LGBTQ charity for young people. Proud Connections is a new instant free confidential, messaging service for young people open 12pm - 6pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Support After Suicide have produced a mental health and support prevention resource for people who identify as LGBTQ+, view here.
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Training and resources
By building your knowledge and awareness we can ensure more LGBTQ+ children, young people, adults and families feel better supported. Below is a list of training and resources for both professionals and schools:
TRAINING
RESOURCES
Resources for professionals
School specific resources
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Partners News
- Bath Mind - click here to see the latest news and upcoming events.
- Bath Samaritans - click here to keep up to date with news about our services, programmes and events.
- 3GS - click here to find out the latest news from the voluntary and community sector.
- Public Health - click here to stay up to date with the latest news and information.
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