A SUICIDE prevention charity is calling on residents to take positive action to support people who might be at risk of taking their lives.
SOS Silence of Suicide is launching a free training resource designed to help anyone have the confidence to step into difficult conversations about personal struggles, emotional well-being, or thoughts of self-harm.
The launch marks the tenth anniversary of the Warwick-based organisation which is determined to eradicate the shame and stigma around poor mental health and suicide.
Called OPEN Conversations, it is available as a self-paced online course for individuals or a trainer-led version for groups, workplaces, and schools. The charity believes the need has never been greater.
According to the Office for National Statistics in 2023, 5,579 people committed suicide in the UK – an average of 15 families every day left devastated by the loss of a loved one, be that a daughter, father, best friend, or colleague.
Charity trustee Julie Tobin said: “Too many people stay silent because they’re scared of saying the wrong thing. But saying nothing can cost a life.
“This course gives people the confidence to lean in and say, ‘I’ve noticed you’re struggling… and I care.’
“If OPEN Conversations helps even one person to step in and save a life, then our ten years of work will have truly counted.”
The course has already been embraced by the charity’s lead supporters, broadcaster and journalist Wendy Turner-Webster and her actor husband Gary Webster.
Speaking about her experience, Wendy said: “OPEN Conversations is something everyone should take. It’s simple, powerful, enlightening, and gives you the courage to reach out when someone might need you the most. I truly believe this course has the potential to help save lives, and I’m proud to stand alongside SOS in sharing it with the nation.”
The online course takes about 60 minutes to complete.
Visit sossilenceofsuicide.org/courses/free-mental-health-training/ for more info.
