Awareness campaign launched to support people struggling to cope during the pandemic
A series of animations have been released encouraging people to look after themselves, others and to get help early if they are struggling during the pandemic.
During these difficult and stressful times, it is crucial that people look after their mental health and wellbeing.
Mental ill-health, isolation, poverty and experiences of trauma are all risk factors for suicide, and for many people these have been made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The North East and North Cumbria Suicide Prevention Network, in collaboration with suicide prevention charity Every Life Matters Cumbria, have launched its “look after yourself, look out for others, and get help early” awareness campaign with the release of three short animations.
By increasing awareness and reducing the stigma associated with self-harm and suicide, the organisations aim to do everything possible to promote good mental health and wellbeing for everyone, and to stop people losing friends and family to suicide.
Katherine McGleenan, North East and North Cumbria Suicide Prevention Lead, said: “I have worked in the region as a mental health nurse for many years and know that getting the right information and support, at the right time, is not always straight forward. Often people either don’t know how or where to find support, or don’t want to ask for help, often due to the stigma.
“These animations have been carefully designed to share three extremely important messages relating to mental wellbeing and suicide prevention - how to look after our own mental health, how we can all help to look out for others who may be struggling, and the importance of getting help early.
“We hope that these animations will encourage people to start conversations and start to reduce the stigma. We want everyone, whatever their circumstances, to know there is support available, and to know how to access help if needed, and that they don’t need to cope alone.”
It is vital that this advice and information is easily accessible to the most vulnerable members of our communities.
In 2019, suicide rates among men in England and Wales were the highest since 2000, and although suicide in young people is relatively rare, rates have been rising in 10-24-year-olds since 2010.
Although known risk factors for suicide may be exacerbated by the pandemic, as well as new risk factors emerging, we know that there is hope when people get the information and support they need. We know that suicide is preventable.
The animations are available on both the North East and North Cumbria Suicide Prevention Network and Every Life Matters Cumbria websites.
Go to http://www.stopsuicidenenc.org or www.every-life-matters.org.uk for further information.
View the videos below.