World Suicide Prevention Day webinar

The focus of this webinar is to hear from strong voices in our community with lived experience of suicide and self-harm.

We are delighted to be joined by Mike Palmer, one of the 3 Dad’s Walking, Allison Furlong, mum of Alfie (Alfie’s Squad) and a member of our very own Cheshire and Merseyside Lived Experience Network.

About this event

Ruth du Plessis, the lead Director of Public Health for Suicide Prevention and Mental Wellbeing, and the multi-agency Suicide Prevention Partnership invite you to join us on Tuesday 10th September 2024 from 9.30 to 10.30 online for our World Suicide Prevention Day webinar.

In Cheshire and Merseyside, we are continuing to drive the aspiration for Cheshire and Merseyside to be a region where all suicides are prevented, where people do not consider suicide as a solution to the difficulties they face and where people have hope for the future. In support of this we are utilising World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD), and the International Association of Suicide Prevention (IASP) theme for 2024, ‘changing the narrative surrounding suicide’, to galvanise our efforts.

The aim of the IASP theme is to raise awareness about the importance of changing the narrative surrounding suicide and transforming how we perceive this complex issue. Changing the narrative requires systemic change. It’s about shifting from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding, and support, as sadly there is still a stigma which is preventing people reaching out for the help they need.  It means advocating for policies and legislation that prioritise mental health, increase access to care, and provide support for those in need. It means investing in research to better understand the complexities of suicide and develop evidence-based interventions.

IASP is also issuing a call to action: “Start the Conversation.” This call encourages individuals, communities, organisations, and governments to engage in open, honest discussions about mental health and suicide. By starting conversations, we can break down barriers and raise awareness, check in with a friend or loved one, share personal stories and advocate for mental health resources and support services. Every conversation, no matter how small, contributes to a more supportive and understanding society.

In Cheshire and Merseyside, we have the opportunity to address these areas and work collaboratively across sectors, creating a more supportive and compassionate society where suicide is preventable, and everyone feels valued and understood.

At the webinar Mike, Allison and our lived experience network member will share their experiences and reflections, thoughts on the IASP theme and call to action, and their own call to action.