By Lyn Stepanian, Public Health Practitioner
At the weekend 84 men gathered in Southwater Square in an effort to end the stigma around male suicide in Telford. They stood in an 84 second silence, representing the number of men who take their lives each week in the UK.
Men are three times more likely to take their own lives than women, so it is a significant issue. That’s why we want more men to talk about and end the stigma around male suicide in Telford. Its okay for men to not be okay.
It’s good for people to talk when you are having thoughts of suicide, whether that’s to someone you know or to a confidential support service. You are not alone, people are here to help.
Our new “Z-cards” that we helped develop as part of the Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin’s Suicide Prevention Network were handed out at the event. These cards show the support available and offers advice to those suffering from suicidal thoughts.
The cards provide discrete support and advice on who to contact for anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or someone who is concerned about someone else.
We will soon be distributing these cards across the region. I hope they encourage those affected by suicide, to come forward.
The event was organised to mark World Suicide Prevention Day and Telford & Wrekin Council worked to make it happen with a local campaigner whose partner took their own life.
Stands were open in Southwater during the day for people to learn about the support available both locally and nationally. Advice on how to talk to people experiencing suicidal thoughts was also on offer.
Preventing male suicide in Telford
Suicide is preventable, all of us can do something about it. A short conversation is sometimes all it takes to save a person’s life.
One of the best ways to learn about how an individual can do this is to undertake the 20 minute suicide prevention training provided by the Zero Suicide Alliance. People can undertake the training at zerosuicidealliance.com.
Finally, I would like to say a big thank you to all the agencies and partners that supported. Especially the 84 men who volunteered to be part of our photo.