That's why professionals, community groups, volunteers and individuals are working together to raise awareness and to help to reduce the risks of suicide.

As part of the suicide prevention work in Derbyshire there will be events held at several football matches, and widespread promotion of local support and services, throughout September.

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Communities Councillor Carol Hart said: “We know that the reasons why someone may choose to take their own life can be extremely complex and people may be afraid to raise the subject for fear of not knowing what to say or do to help.

“But we can all make a difference to someone who may be suffering emotional distress. There are several things that we can do if someone confides that they are feeling suicidal.

“Stay calm, listen, take them seriously and encourage them to speak to a health professional.”

Representatives from a wide range of mental health organisations will be raising awareness about suicide prevention at several local football matches.

Saturday 4th Sept
Kick off at 3pm
Chesterfield FC v Bromley
Technique Stadium,
1866 Sheffield Rd, Chesterfield, S41 8NZ

Saturday 11th September
Kick off at 3pm
Alfreton Town v AFC Telford
Impact Arena, North St, Alfreton DE55 7FZ

Saturday 11th September
Kick off at 3pm
Matlock Town v Stalybridge Celtic
Causeway Lane, Matlock, DE4 3AR

Saturday 18th September
Kick off at 3pm
Sheffield FC v Stockton
Sheffield FC Stadium, Sheffield Rd, Dronfield S18 2GD

Over 900 people also attended and received information at the Belper Town v Ilkeston Town match on August 30th.

In partnership with The Lions Barber Collective the county council be offering free suicide prevention training to barbers and hairdressers across Derbyshire in the next few months.

You can play your part on 10th September by promoting the hashtag #WSPD and the handle @NSPA_UK across social media.

Support and advice

If you, or someone you know, are feeling suicidal, there are several things that you can do:

• speak to a friend, family member or someone you trust
• call the Samaritans 24-hour support service on 116 123
• call the Derbyshire 24/7 support line on 0800 028 0077
• go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department and tell the staff how you are feeling
• contact NHS 111
• make an urgent appointment to see your GP

Mentell offer peer support for men aged 18 and over in Derbyshire. You can find out more about the support on offer at https://www.mentell.org.uk/

A range of free apps are available to support wellbeing and suicide prevention. Search and download health and wellbeing apps online at derbyshire.orcha.co.uk

The National Suicide Prevention Alliance (NSPA) have resources online at
https://nspa.org.uk/

If you have been affected by a death by suicide, then bereavement support is available in Derbyshire through The Tomorrow Project and Survivors of Bereavement By Suicide (SOBS).

Other information around support and advice around suicide prevention can be found here
https://derbyandderbyshireemotionalhealthandwellbeing.uk/suicide-prevention

Suicide is the leading cause of death among people under the age of 35 in the UK.

95 people living in Derbyshire took their life in 2018 and two thirds of these were men.

In recent years in Derbyshire the highest rate of suicide has occurred in those aged 40-49

The pandemic has increased some of the risk factors for suicide, however the suicide rate has not increased

The World Suicide Prevention Day events are being delivered in partnership with Chesterfield Football Club, Sheffield Football Club, Alfreton Town, Matlock Town, Belper Town, the Samaritans, Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Derbyshire Community Health Services, Derbyshire Mental Health Forum, British Red Cross, Derbyshire County Council, Derby City Council and support from many other local organisations.