Hillingdon and Hounslow launch new suicide awareness campaign

It aims to raise awareness of the Zero Suicide Alliance training which people can take to learn how to speak to those who are in crisis and say they plan to take their own lives.

The campaign is called BeTheirOne and focuses on the fact it only takes one person to save a life.

By taking the Zero Suicide Alliance training and familiarising themselves with the crisis mental health services local to them, people can give themselves the best chance of saving someone's life if they find themselves in a situation where someone tells them they intend to seriously harm or take their own life.

The newly-updated training launched today on 10 September and is available at www.zerosuicidealliance.com/suicide-awareness-training.

It only takes 20 minutes to complete, is recommended for anyone 16 and above, and includes scenarios and advice on how anyone can have a life-saving conversation.

Cllr Jane Palmer, Hillingdon Council's Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, said: "By taking the Zero Suicide Alliance's free training you can make a real difference by learning how to support those in distress, and the vital tools to help someone who's expressed suicidal intentions. Your support could help save a life. This campaign is a great example of working in partnership to ensure our residents can access services that meet their health, care and support needs.

"For anyone in Hillingdon who needs to talk about something that's worrying them, may be in distress or despair, or might be finding life so hard that they feel they can't go on living, please contact the Hillingdon Samaritans on 116 123. It is available from any phone, and dedicated volunteers can provide emotional support around the clock."

Councillor Lily Bath, Hounslow Council's Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Transformation, said: "Every suicide is a tragedy, so we are determined to take any action that can help save people who feel suicidal. It's great to be working with our neighbours in Hillingdon to help people across both boroughs to feel supported.

"I'd encourage everyone to take 20 minutes out of their day to take the Zero Suicide Alliance training and generally familiarise themselves with the crisis lines available, both locally and nationally."