Mental health support highlighted on World Suicide Prevention Day

Data suggests that in Leicester, between 30 and 40 people a year die by suicide.

The statistic has been revealed on World Suicide Prevention Day, which is today (September 10).

Research shows that most people who have taken their own lives did not reach out for support.

Leicester City Council is encouraging people to find out more about Leicester’s network of mental health friendly places (MHFPs), located in neighbourhood venues across the city.

By extending and promoting the city’s network of MHFPs, the city council wants to ensure there are places in every community that will provide safe, non-judgemental places for people to talk about their mental health concerns and get information on services which could help them.

Shops, hairdressers, charities and community centres are among the public-facing organisations who’ve already signed up to the network. Training offered to their staff and volunteers includes improving conversational skills, or more in-depth training such as a Samaritans listening skills or mental health awareness training.

Saffron Acres, an award-winning open space in the centre of the Saffron Lane estate is one of those organisations.  Managed by the Saffron Lane Neighbourhood Council for the benefit of local people, it enables local people to grow and cook their own produce and live healthier lifestyles. 

Laura Gray, project manager at Saffron Acres, said: “We have people that come to us for a range of different reasons, but we are seeing more people who maybe need a bit more extra support or signposting. We are able to offer a neighbourhood mental health support café that we run here, our Grow Slow groups that include food growing and gardening for people who want to go at a slower pace, befriending schemes, and we’ve got staff available for people to chat to and hopefully signpost to services, as well as just be here for people.”

Leicester deputy city mayor for social care, health and community safety, Cllr Sarah Russell, said: “Having someone you trust, who you can talk to, can have huge benefits for mental health. 

“Not everyone has someone in their life who they can turn to, and developing our network of mental health friendly places will make that support available within local communities.

“Saffron Acres is a very welcoming place which gives people the chance to relax and perhaps open up and talk to others in a way they might not want to with family or close friends. It’s a wonderful example of how a community can come together to make a real difference to the health and well-being of others.

“By learning how to recognise signs and symptoms of low-level mental ill health, asking appropriate questions, listening effectively and signposting to local services, people can really make a positive difference to where they live and work.

“So if you run a local organisation that is focused on dealing with the public, please sign up and join us in spreading the word about mental health.”

More information is available at Mental Health Friendly Places | Start a Conversation