Greater Manchester campaign reaches out to older self-harmers

Lonely man at window
Older people needing help 'should talk to someone'. Credit: PA Images

A campaign has been launched in Greater Manchester which is hoped will reduce the number of older people self-harming.

As well as reaching older people themselves it aims to to support carers, family members and health workers.

It comes as research shows people who self harm are at 67 times greater risk greater risk of suicide than the general older population.

The  ‘Don’t Brush It Under the Carpet’ campaign has been funded by the Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership.

Polly Kaiser, from Pennine Care, said: “Poor mental wellbeing is not an inevitable part of ageing and this campaign is important in raising societal awareness of this and encouraging older people to seek help.

Things you can do to help improve how you are feeling:

  • Talk to someone

Tell a friend, family member or someone you trust how you are feeling.

  • Speak to your GP

Your GP can arrange for you to receive support from the right services. If you need support out of hours call NHS 111.

  • Text Shout

If you prefer to talk to someone over text message, Shout offer confidential support 24/7. Text: SHOUT to 85258

  • Join an online community

Join Mind’s online community Side by Side, it’s an online space where you can listen, share and be heard. Visit sidebyside.mind.org.uk

  • Call the Samaritans on 116 123

Whatever you are going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. They are there 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Worried about mental health?

CALM

CALM, or the Campaign Against Living Miserably, runs a free and confidential helpline and webchat – open from 5pm to midnight every day, for anyone who needs to talk about life’s problems.

It also supports those bereaved by suicide, through the Support After Suicide Partnership (SASP).

  • Phone their helpline: 0800 585858 (Daily, 5pm to midnight)

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James’ Place

Suicide prevention centre in Liverpool offering life-saving support to men in suicidal crisis.

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Mind

Mind is a mental health charity which promotes the views and needs of people with mental health issues.

It provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem, and campaigns to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.

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PAPYRUS

For practical, confidential suicide prevention help and advice you can contact PAPYRUS HOPELINE247 on 0800 068 4141, text 07860 039967 or email pat@papyrus-uk.org

Suicide is the biggest killer of young people in the UK. PAPYRUS aims to reduce the number of young people who take their own lives by breaking down the stigma around suicide and equipping people with the skills to recognise and respond to suicidal behaviour.

HOPELINE247 is the charity’s confidential 24 hour helpline service providing practical advice and support to young people with thoughts of suicide and anyone concerned about a young person who may have thoughts of suicide.

HOPELINE247 is staffed by trained professionals, offering a telephone, text and email service.

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Samaritans

Samaritans is an organisation offering confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair.

  • Phone 116 123 (a free 24 hour helpline)

  • Email: jo@samaritans.org

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YoungMinds

YoungMinds is a resource with information on child and adolescent mental health, but also offers services for parents and professionals.

It is the UK’s leading charity fighting for children and young people's mental health, and wants to make sure all young people can get the mental health support they need, when they need it

  • YoungMinds Textline - Text YM to 85258

  • Phone Parents' helpline 0808 802 5544 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am - 4pm)

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