Around 6000 people die by suicide each year in the UK - an average of 16 per day.

Many more people, about 1 in 5, will experience suicidal thoughts at some point in their life.

 

There are many reasons why someone can feel this way. Thankfully only a minority of people who have suicidal thoughts go on to take their lives and the right action can support them. People often just need someone to talk to.

 

Crisis Support

If you are concerned about a deterioration in your mental health or feel unable to keep yourself safe, please call 0800 0234 650.

Mind BLMK’s dedicated Crisis Café team are there to support people across Milton Keynes, Bedford and Luton. This free service is available 365 days of the year and there to support you. To speak to a member of the team, please call 01525 722 225 between 5.00pm to 11.00pm, or for further information about their work and the support offered through the Crisis Cafés, please visit - https://www.mind-blmk.org.uk/how-we-can-help/crisis-support

 

Alternatively, if you need immediate help, contact the emergency services on 999 or go to your nearest Accident and Emergency Department (A&E)

 

See the Signs - what to look out for

Here are some possible warning signs to look out for that could indicate someone is experiencing suicidal thoughts and feelings:

• Talking or complaining of feeling hopeless and that life is not worth living
• Talking about feeling trapped, such as saying they can't see any way out of their current situation
• Saying that friends and family would be better off without them
• Talking or writing about death, dying or suicide
• A sudden lift in mood after a period of severe depression
• Looking into methods or the means to end their own life
• Putting all their affairs in order, such as sorting out possessions or making a will
• Saying that they can hear voices telling them to end their own life

 

What can I do?

If you notice any of these warning signs in a friend, relative or loved one, encourage them to talk about how they are feeling.

Getting professional help early can reduce the risk of harm but talking to friends and family can also be very helpful. If they are in immediate danger, make sure they are not left on their own.

Talking directly about suicide will not make their feelings worse or give them ideas. In fact the opposite is true. For many people it can be a huge relief to be asked the question in a direct way. asking someone directly may also give them a chance to open up about their feelings and help them to think about more positive options rather than suicide.

 

Confidential Helplines and Support

• Samaritans - 24 hour confidential helpline. Tel: 116 123 Email: jo@samaritans.org web: www.samaritans.org
• Papyrus (Prevention of Young Suicide) - for young people or someone concerned about a young person. Tel: 0800 068 4141. Text:07786209697. Web: www.papyrus-uk.org. Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org 
• Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) - offers support to men in the UK, of any age, who are down or in crisis via a helpline, webchat and website. Tel: 0800 58 58 58. Web: www.thecalmzone.net
• Mind BLMK - A local mental health charity, with a positive and holistic approach to promoting mental wellbeing. web: www.mind-blmk.org.uk. Tel: 0300 330 0648

 

See the Signs Training

Mind BLMK offer free See the Signs training sessions which offer an introduction to basic suicide awareness for those who live or work in, Bedfordshire, Luton & Milton Keynes.

This training is delivered online, and the session is 2 hrs 30 minutes.

For more information and to book on a session, please visit here.

 

Zero Suicide Alliance Training

Zero Suicide Alliance also provide free suicide awareness training that teaches people how to identify, understand and help someone who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts.