Today marks the beginning of World Suicide Prevention Week, a cause deeply rooted in our mission as a mental health recovery CIC run by and for those with lived experience.
As part of World Suicide Prevention Week, we reflect on the importance of raising awareness about suicide and offering support to those who struggle. In the UK, the latest statistics show a sharp increase in suicides. In 2023, there were 6,069 suicides registered in England and Wales, the highest rate since 1999. The overall rate was 11.4 deaths per 100,000 people, with the most affected group being males aged 45 to 49. These figures are a stark reminder of the importance of ongoing mental health support and suicide prevention efforts(British Safety Council)(ONS Official).
We are here to remind everyone that there is always hope, our work involves supporting those who have faced mental health crises, and we often hear stories from individuals who have contemplated suicide. To all of you who have reached that moment in your life, we are truly grateful that you are still here.
Letter of Hope
We also offer the Letter of Hope, a suicide prevention resource created by individuals with lived experience of suicidal thoughts, aimed at supporting those who may be going through similar struggles. It is available as both a downloadable PDF and an audio version. Additionally, there’s the Letter for Tomorrow, developed by a group of young people, and the Hope Letter. Click the image below to explore the different formats and find the one that resonates with you.
The Depression Project
We also want to highlight The Depression Project, an invaluable resource dedicated to providing mental health education and support for those battling depression. Founded by psychologists, this platform offers practical tools, compassionate guidance, and a supportive community for those in need. Their mission is to break the stigma surrounding mental health by sharing real-life experiences and evidence-based strategies. Whether you’re seeking personal help or looking to support a loved one, The Depression Project’s resources can be a lifeline. They also have an Instagram account with bitesize posts covering topics such as ‘How to cope with suicidal thoughts’, How to support a loved one who is suicidal’ and many more, Learn more at The Depression Project.
National Memorial Day for Health and Care Workers
And a heartfelt shout out to those working in mental health, whether in community-based roles or within services, who are also managing their own mental health and wellbeing. It can be difficult to find the right words, but it’s essential to recognize that even when we are helping others through recovery, we remain human and can still experience struggles ourselves. We deeply appreciate your resilience and the vital work you continue to do, balancing both personal challenges and professional responsibilities in this demanding field. You are seen, valued, and appreciated.
Links
We want to encourage anyone struggling to reach out to local support in Devon. You can access immediate help from services like Samaritans (116 123), Devon Partnership Trust’s Crisis Line (0808 196 8708), and Papyrus for young people (0800 068 4141).
Some other key resources include:
- Devon Partnership NHS Trust – They provide a range of mental health services, including crisis support. Their First Response Service offers urgent help for those experiencing a mental health crisis, available 24/7.
- The Moorings by Devon Mind – Safe spaces in Barnstaple, Exeter, and Torquay for people who are in emotional distress. You can drop in without an appointment and receive support in a calm environment.
- Step One Charity – Based in Devon, Step One provides mental health crisis support, recovery programs, and supported living services for people facing mental health challenges, including those struggling with suicidal thoughts.
- Talkworks (formerly Depression and Anxiety Service) – A free, confidential NHS service offering therapy and counselling in Devon to help individuals manage stress, anxiety, and depression.
- Nightstop Devon – This service offers support and emergency accommodation for young people in crisis, providing a safe and supportive environment.
- Andy’s Man Club: A national organisation with a strong presence in Devon, including groups in Exeter, Plymouth, and Newton Abbot. Andy’s Man Club offers free, non-judgmental peer support groups for men to talk about mental health in a confidential setting. Their aim is to prevent male suicide by encouraging open conversations and providing a supportive community. Meetings are held every Monday at 7 pm.
- Exeter Wellbeing Hub: Managed by Devon Partnership NHS Trust, this is a free resource offering a range of mental health support services, including wellbeing courses, counseling, and peer support groups for adults. It also provides signposting to more specialized care if needed.
- Plymouth Options: This free NHS service offers talking therapies to help people manage stress, anxiety, and depression. They also provide online resources and face-to-face counselling in Plymouth.
- Man Down Cornwall: A peer support group specifically for men in Cornwall, Man Down offers regular, safe spaces for men to talk openly about mental health. Meetings are held across 25 locations throughout Cornwall, including in Launceston, Liskeard, and Saltash, making it accessible to many in the region. The group focuses on reducing male suicide by encouraging conversations and providing a judgment-free environment.