More than 500 people in Barrow are now trained in suicide prevention, thanks to a new initiative.
The charity, Every Life Matters, launched 'Suicide Safer Barrow' in May last year, in a bid to help people talk directly about suicide.
Since launching, the project has trained more than 500 people in suicide prevention and has been active in grassroots awareness-raising about suicide.
For instance, the Christmas ‘Don’t Bottle It Up’ campaign saw more than 12,000 beermats and posters distributed around Barrow pubs, clubs and venues by a group of local volunteers.
Chris Wood, Development Manager at Every Life Matters, said: “Having thoughts of suicide is a common and very distressing response to challenging life circumstances, and we want to see an end to people struggling alone with these thoughts.
“Suicide needs to be addressed across all areas of our society. It’s important to understand that around three quarters of people who die by suicide are not in contact with any mental health services in the year leading up to their death.
“This means suicide prevention needs to be community wide concern.
“Attending some training either with us or online can give anyone the skills and knowledge they need to help save a life from suicide.”
The charity has also recently launched their latest range of training for Barrow and South Lakeland.
This includes half-day suicide alertness sessions available for anyone in the community who wants to understand suicide better, and a two-day ASIST course.
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