Suicide prevention launched in Cumbria

A new project from the charity 'Every Life Matters', who focus on suicide prevention across Cumbria, has been launched.

On average, one in five Cumbrians have suicidal thoughts, one in fifteen will attempt suicide and one every week dies from suicide, making the county’s rate much higher than the national average.

Every Life Matters aims to create a community where people can talk openly about mental health problems, suicidal thoughts and emotional distress in order to reduce the stigma surrounding suicide.

The charity also focuses on providing suicide prevention training which gives members of the public the skills they need to help people experiencing suicidal thoughts, and to support those who have been impacted, or bereaved, by suicide.

The training explores myths and facts surrounding suicide, the signs and symptoms of someone experiencing suicidal thoughts and the importance of our role in keeping people safe. The training takes place in different sessions across Cumbria, or can be completed online on the Every Life Matters website.

The project works on the basis that everyone in their community has a part to play in encouraging people to speak out when they’re struggling.