Today Is World Suicide Prevention Day

Every year on 10th September since 2003, organisations and communities around the world come together to raise awareness of how we can create a world where fewer people die by suicide.

In the UK, men are three times as likely to die by suicide than women. In the Republic of Ireland, the rate is four times higher among men than women.  While there has been a reduction in the number of people completing suicide over the last ten years, the numbers are still worryingly high.

One in every 100 deaths worldwide is the result of suicide. It can affect every one of us. Each and every suicide is devastating and has a profound impact on those around them. However, by raising awareness, reducing the stigma around suicide and encouraging well-informed action, we can reduce instances of suicide around the world. World Suicide Prevention Day is an opportunity to raise awareness of suicide and to promote action through proven means that will reduce the number of suicides and suicide attempts globally.

Suicidal thoughts are complex. The factors and causes that lead to suicide are complex and many. No single approach works for everyone. The COVID-19 Pandemic has contributed to increased feelings of isolation and vulnerability.

You can help give someone hope by showing that you care. All of us can play a role, no matter how small. We may never know what we do that makes a difference. We all can reach in and ask somebody. You do not need to tell them what to do or have solutions, but simply making the time and space to listen to someone about their experiences of distress or suicidal thoughts can help. Small talk can save lives and create a sense of connection and hope in somebody who may be struggling.

To prevent suicide requires us to become a beacon of light to those in pain. You can be the light.

Please support @samaritans this  World Suicide Prevention Day.

The Samaritans are available 24 hours a day – call 116 123 or Text SHOUT to 85258.

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Broadwindsor Rainbows, Brownies and Guides

The group have spaces available from January 2021.
  • Rainbows age 5-7
  • Brownies age 7-10
  • Guides age 10-14
  • West Dorset Rangers age 14-18
Leader, Emma House had this update on what they have all been up to:
We have been meeting via Zoom rather than doing what we do best but that’s not a bad thing! We have had so much fun! (There is a lot less clearing up for us leaders that’s for sure 😉).
We have been making indoor rockets, clay creatures, edible Houses of Parliament, completed Taskmaster challenges, chatted and laughed – laughed a lot!!
The laughing 😂 is what’s making the difference, everything is so strange for the children at the moment. The social life they are used to is hugely restricted so if we can as leaders continue to try and offer a piece of normality in the best way we can then we have done our job well.
The smiles say it all!” – Emma House.

Girl Guides

You can contact Emma at emmahouse@btconnect.com.
Learn more at the GirlGuiding website HERE.

#Broadwindsor,#Dorset,#GirlGuiding,#Volunteers,#MentalHealthAwareness,#Girls,#KeepGoing,#KeepSmiling,#SocialDistancing,#Zoom,#StaySafe

It’s OK Not To Be OK

Suicide figures have increased by 200% since the start of the Covid-19 lockdown six months ago. This pandemic has brought unexpected change and uncertainty and will have a lasting impact on everyone’s mental health and wellbeing.  The Samaritans are a registered charity in England and Wales (219432) and in Scotland (SC040604).
The Samaritans are there to listen, no judgement, no pressure, and help you work through what’s on your mind. They never tell you what to do.  Their services are free and confidential.

You can call: 116 123 Any hour of the day. Any day of the year. Anytime.

The charity surveyed almost 2,000 men aged 20 to 59 to find out how the pandemic restrictions have affected their mental health and support networks. 42% of the men questioned felt that the restrictions have had a negative impact on their mental health, with loneliness and/or isolation, anxiety, financial worries and separation from loved ones among their concerns.

Depression and AnxietyDue to the impact of the coronavirus, callers are experiencing longer wait times so they have provided a list of resources with a range of different organisations HERE covering the extensive list of categories below:

  • Addiction
  • Benefits & Rights
  • Bereavement
  • Carers
  • Children and Young People
  • Counselling
  • Crisis Pregnancy
  • Debt, Poverty and Social Exclusion
  • Eating Disorders
  • Emotional Text Support
  • Health
  • Housing and Homelessness
  • Loneliness and Isolation
  • Mental Health
  • Military
  • NHS (Staff only)
  • Older People
  • Relationships
  • Sexuality
  • Sexual Abuse (Abused)
  • Sexual Abuse (Abuser)
  • Victims Of Crime

If you need help with any of these things – get further information from the Samaritans HERE.

Can You Help? Find out more about becoming a volunteer for the Samaritans HERE. Then register your interest online and your enquiry will be sent to your chosen branch and they will be in touch.

Shout 85258Shout 85258

Launched in May 2019, Shout is a free, confidential, anonymous text support service. You can text from wherever you are in the UK.

Shout support people who are anxious, stressed, depressed, suicidal or overwhelmed and who need immediate support. As a digital service, Shout 85258 has become increasingly critical since Covid-19, being one of the few mental health support services able to operate as normal at this time.

Can You Help? Click HERE to become a volunteer for Shout.

Shout 85258 is the first service from Mental Health Innovations and is a registered charity (1175670).

Its Ok Not To Be Ok

#Broadwindsor,#Dorset,#Samaritans,#Shout85258,#MentalHealthAwareness,#Covid-19,#Coronavirus,#Desperate,#Suicide,#Abuse,#BeKind,#Volunteer, #ItsOkNotToBeOk,#StaySafe