Public Health leaders in Somerset are appealing to sports and community clubs in Somerset to partner with them to help reduce the number of suicides in the county.

The suicide rate in Somerset currently stands at 12.7 per 100,000, which is above the national average. This means that each year on average 60 to 65 people lose their lives to suicide in Somerset.

Public Health Somerset are planning to run a series of community suicide prevention courses, training people on how to spot the early signs that someone may be thinking about suicide, to raise awareness of the issue and show people how to access local support services.

They are hoping that sports and community clubs and hubs across the county will partner with them, to offer their facilities for nothing in exchange for training for their staff, volunteers and their community members.

Councillor Graham Oakes, Executive Member for Public Health, Climate Change and Environment at Somerset Council said:

As friends, family members and colleagues, we are most likely to be the first to notice when something doesn’t seem right with someone; training can give people confidence to start a conversation which could save a life.

Training will be free and we are hoping that clubs and community groups in Somerset will come on board because they are often the focal point of any community.

There will be 2 types of training courses offered:

Suicide Awareness (60 minutes)

This one hour training session is aimed at anyone in the local community who wants to understand more about suicide and what we can all do to make a difference.

Suicide Alertness (4 hours)

This four hour training session is aimed at anyone who wants to understand more about suicide, how to know when someone may be having thoughts of suicide, how to talk directly and comfortably about suicide, and what we can all do to offer practical support to somebody in crisis.

The maximum number of people in one session is 24 so it wouldn’t need to be a huge space.

The sessions will enable people to learn common myths and key facts about suicide, equip them with skills to talk openly and honestly about suicide and allow them to understand how stigma and our own attitudes can have an impact. The sessions will cover the many and varied reasons that someone may think of suicide and prepare attendees to be more alert to signs.

Professor Trudi Grant, Executive Director of Public and Population Health, joint appointment between Somerset Council and NHS Somerset said:

Whilst the reasons for an individual taking their own life are often complex, evidence shows that kind, supportive communities, where mental health and suicide are de-stigmatised can act as a protective factor.

Training gives people the confidence to recognise signs, understand how to start a supportive conversation about suicide and know where to signpost people for professional support early.

Any club interested in partnering with this vital project should email everylifematters@somerset.gov.uk.