Stories of hope mark in NHS Greater Manchester suicide campaign

NHS Greater Manchester is leading a critical campaign to tackle suicide through its 'Shining a Light on Suicide' initiative, now in its fifth year.

The campaign aims to bring the often-hidden issue of suicide into the open, encouraging people to talk about it and reducing the stigma that surrounds it.

This year’s focus coincides with the 'Month of Hope', a period running from 10 September to 10 October, designed to raise awareness of suicide prevention across the region.

In Rochdale, 2.3 per cent of patients aged 18 or over on GP practice registers are recorded as having a new diagnosis of depression. This is above the national average of 1.5 per cent (NHS Quality and Outcomes Framework 2021/22).

The campaign's goal is to inspire hope and promote open conversations about suicide, with an emphasis on community involvement in prevention efforts.

Since its launch, the campaign has made significant strides, such as offering free online suicide prevention training through the 'zero suicide alliance'.

Nearly 9,000 people completed the training in the past year alone (July 2023 to July 2024), giving them the skills to identify warning signs and ask difficult but life-saving questions.

To further these efforts, NHS Greater Manchester recently commissioned new training specifically aimed at supporting autistic individuals, who are at higher risk of suicide.

This new resource equips people with the skills to engage in sensitive conversations with autistic people who may be struggling.

Judd Skelton, strategic commissioning lead for suicide prevention and bereavement support, emphasised the importance of changing the narrative on suicide: "The campaign has made great progress in reducing the stigma around suicide and breaking the silence that often prevents people from getting support."

Mayor Andy Burnham echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of breaking the taboo around suicide and ensuring that help is always available.

By raising awareness and providing practical tools, NHS Greater Manchester’s suicide prevention campaign is helping to save lives across the city-region.

Support for people feeling suicidal:

Anyone can experience suicidal thoughts and it can feel hard to know how to talk to someone.

Whether you’re feeling suicidal, worried someone else is, or have lost someone to suicide, you’re not alone. Whatever you’re going through, find the support you need.

Visit: www.shiningalightonsuicide.org.uk, or call Samaritans on 116 123.