06/09/2024
Northern Ireland has one of the highest suicide rates compared to other areas of the UK with the Western Trust area having a suicide rate of 16.0 deaths per 100,000 population. Each suicide has far reaching social, emotional, and economic consequences, and deeply affects individuals and families. To mark World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September 2024) and World Mental Health Day (10 October 2024) the Trust is supporting a regional campaign to encourage local people to prioritise workplace mental health.
In partnership with the Public Health Agency and other HSC Trusts the month long campaign encourages everyone to take 10 minutes out of their day for self-care using the ‘Take 5 steps to wellbeing’.
It is easy to start adding the ‘Take 5 steps to wellbeing’ to your daily routine – anyone can do it – and it is important because taking care of your mental health and managing stress helps to improve your personal resilience. It also can help you if you support or care for others.
The ‘Take 5 steps to wellbeing’ are:
- Connect,
- Keep Learning,
- Be Active,
- Take Notice and
- Give
You can find out all you need to know including helpful tips and advice for employees and employers via www.mindingyourhead.info
The Trust also wants to encourage everyone to learn more about mental health and suicide prevention and have planned training events throughout the entire Trust area and online for the public alongside those working in the community, voluntary and statutory sectors who are committed to the promotion of positive mental health and the prevention of suicide in our community.
Colleen Harkin, Assistant Director of Community Adult Mental Health Services said:
“We want everyone in the workplace to start the conversation about mental health and to discuss the importance of the ‘Take 5 steps to wellbeing’ initiative.”
“The Trust is part of the regional Towards Zero Suicide Patient Safety Collaborative which researches and adopts best practice in suicide prevention. We want to encourage everyone to engage in open and honest discussions about mental health and suicide so we can break down the barriers and raise awareness. Many aspects of life impact on our health and wellbeing, including the environment we live in, poverty, isolation, relationships and employment to mention just a few.”
Nuala Campbell, Towards Zero Suicide Service Improvement Manager, commented:
“The Trust recognises the importance of promoting positive mental health messages through a range of activities highlighted on the Calendar of training events. It is vital that those living within the Western Trust area are aware of relevant mental health and suicide prevention training, initiatives and programmes which they can access locally. Suicide is everyone’s business and there is a shared responsibility to do all we can to prevent it.”
If you are in distress or despair counsellors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through Lifeline (0808 808 8000) to listen to you and give you the help and support you need, in confidence.