Reach out to help prevent suicide
Dudley residents can ‘reach out’ to help prevent suicide in the borough.
Figures show that nearly 5,000 people took their own lives in England in 2020, with male suicide rates three times higher than women’s.
Dudley Council is relaunching its Reach Out website, which provides information, reassurance and details of support services for anyone experiencing thoughts of suicide or for those who are concerned about someone else.
To help raise awareness of suicide prevention, the website includes the Zero Suicide Alliance online training.
This is a 20-minute session to improve understanding of suicide and how anyone can provide life-saving support.
Councillor Ian Bevan, cabinet member for public health and wellbeing, said:
Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy and one too many. It’s why we’re urging people to take a little time to improve their understanding of suicide prevention.
Through the information on our Reach Out website and the Zero Suicide Alliance training, people can be better prepared and have the confidence to have a conversation with someone who may be considering suicide.
Anyone experiencing mental health difficulties including suicidal thoughts, there is help available 24/7. Contact the Black Country Mental Health Support Line on 0800 008 6516 or Samaritans on 116 123.
The Reach Out website is available now.