September marks Suicide Prevention Week, 7-13 September. Our Head of People Development, Sarah Hun, facilitated a Somali-community event this month to address concerns after four recent suicides. Sarah said, “the local Somali community is speaking up for people struggling with mental health. I’ve facilitated many events like this, but this was the first time I’d seen such an openness to overcome cultural barriers, share experiences and an eagerness to act.” Sarah also leads mental health training in Tower Hamlets for our staff and the local healthcare workforce across North East London. Some of this training includes Mental Health First Aid, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) and Assessing Suicide in Kids (ASK) Workshops.
All healthcare professionals in North East London can access these training sessions for free including Care Group staff. If you are concerned about suicidal feelings or ideation you can talk with any healthcare professional for advice and where to get further support.
Suicide remains the leading cause of death in new mothers. Many Care Group services support new mums so we want to highlight the need to talk to someone if you’re struggling with suicidal thoughts and feelings. Asking about suicide does not make someone more likely to go through with an attempt so if you’re concerned for someone’s wellbeing or your own ask them about it or ask for help. Speak to your health visitor if you’re a new mum facing suicide.
Our Parent and Baby Emotional Wellbeing (PBEW) Service in Waltham Forest is designed to address this and other mental health concerns, fostering healthy parent-infant relationships.
Need further support now? Check out safe connections which lists several local and national resources for people facing suicide:
Safe Connections – local support for people facing suicide
