Newsroom

Nottinghamshire County Council is running a month-long campaign to raise awareness of suicide prevention, self-harm and mental health, from Suicide Prevention Awareness Day on 10 September until World Mental Health Day on 10 October. The campaign will also highlight the help available for anyone who needs support.

Suicide affects people from all walks of life. It has a devastating and long-lasting impact on friends and family members who have lost a loved one, which can create feelings of shock, guilt, sadness, confusion and shame. People can also feel that there is no support.

Mental health can fluctuate through a person’s life, depending on their circumstances and how well they feel able to manage the situation they are facing. Changes in mood are a normal part of life and can be caused by many things – work or job loss, financial worries, exams, bereavement, relationship or family pressures.

Figures show that concerns around mental health, suicide and self-harm are widespread:

• 2 in 5 (41%) people named their own or others’ mental health as one of their top concerns during the pandemic. This remains a top concern (The Big Notts Survey)
• 1 in 4 people will experience mental health problems of some kind each year in England. 1 in 6 people report experiencing a common mental health problem like anxiety and depression in any given week in England. (Mind 2024)
• Over the course of a person’s lifetime, 1 in 5 have suicidal thoughts, 1 in 14 people self-harm and 1 in 15 people attempt suicide (Mind).

Councillor Scott Carlton, Nottinghamshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Public Health said:

“We need to challenge the stigma and negative attitudes surrounding the topics of suicide, self-harm and mental health. We need to promote the ways in which people can protect their mental health and get the support they need. The theme of World Suicide Prevention Day is ‘Changing the narrative on suicide’ and it encourages people to engage in open and honest discussions. Every conversation, no matter how small, helps to build a more supporting and understanding society.

“The theme for World Mental Health Day 2024 is mental Health in the workplace. We spend a significant amount of time at work each day and this year’s theme highlights the importance of creating mentally healthy work environments and addressing mental health challenges in the workplace.

“I hope this month-long campaign will encourage people to get talking about their mental wellbeing. Whether we’re thinking about suicide prevention, awareness of self-harm, or the state of our mental health, shifting the conversation from a culture of silence and lack of understanding to one of openness, empathy, and support can help people develop the confidence to seek help. People can find out what local support is available on our website protecting and improving your mental wellbeing page. Help is available for anybody who is struggling with their mental wellbeing. It’s important to get talking!”

As part of the month-long campaign, people are being encouraged to show their support for suicide prevention and improving mental health by taking part in one or more of the following activities:

• Make time to look after your mental wellbeing - ask friends, family and work colleagues how they’re doing
• Wear yellow on 10 September, World Suicide Prevention Day, to raise awareness of the cause
• Complete the zero suicide alliance training 20 minute suicide awareness training (zerosuicidealliance.com)
• Watch our animated mental health films and find other information and support on the County Council’s website
• Find out what local community events are taking place
• Wear green on 10 October to mark Mental Health Awareness Day.