A campaign to reduce the number of suicides has started in Trafford. The council is working with partners to focus on ‘most-at-risk’ groups as part of its recently launched 'suicide prevention strategy'.
It aims to support people who are experiencing suicidal feelings and those affected or bereaved by suicide. The strategy commits to making Trafford a place where suicide prevention is 'everyone’s business'.
It wants to make sure people who live and work in the borough feel confident and skilled to have conversations about mental health and suicide, particularly with young people. As part of the strategy, a suicide prevention conference for professionals and practitioners who work with children and young people recently took place.
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The conference brought together a range of organisations including Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), the University of Manchester, Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Foundation 92, Gorse Hill Studios, and several charities including Kooth, Gambling with Lives, and 42 nd Street.
Key speakers discussed research and the work that is underway locally to support and listen to the needs of our children and young people. Practitioners also took part in a range of workshops including strategies for emotional dysregulation, self-harm and shame and health and wellbeing Yoga.
Coun Jo Harding, executive member for culture, leisure and strategic partnerships, said: “We are committed to raising awareness and preventing suicide. There are an increasing number of children and young people facing mental health issues and we want to ensure we are doing all we can as a council and as a borough to provide the support and services they need.
"Coming together to share ideas, research and plans helps us to strengthen that goal; together we prevent suicide.”
Eleanor Roaf, director of public health said “In Trafford, we are committed to raising awareness of suicide, working with our communities, and in partnership with local organisations and practitioners.
"We want to ensure that our residents have the support and services they need. The conference also provided a forum to discuss what is being done, and what needs to be done to address mental health issues in Trafford. Thank you to everyone who took the time to join us, particularly the fantastic speakers and workshop leaders.”
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