Struggling in lockdown: The best numbers to call in Leeds as hospitals launch suicide prevention programme

West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership (WY&H HCP) will launch a suicide prevention initiative for staff on ‘Time to Talk’ day, February 4.

The ‘Check-in’ campaign will target 100,000 staff members across West Yorkshire and Harrogate in a bid to get them talking about mental health at work. Over 160 organisations have already signed up.

Figures published by the Office of National Statistics in September show Yorkshire and the Humber had the highest suicide rate in England.

The new initiative will tackle the figures head-on, promoting a wellbeing culture by normalising the conversation around suicide and mental health.

It was co-produced with people directly affected by suicide and groups which included the Samaritans.

WY&H HCP has also secured NHS funding of more than £1million to develop and maintain a Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub for all staff working in health and care services across West Yorkshire and Harrogate.

Dr Sara Munro, CEO for Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, said she hoped Check-in would fight the stigma around suicide and mental health so it could be discussed in everyday workplace conversation, and it would be complemented by the new Wellbeing Hub.

Professor Brendan Brown, CEO for Airedale NHS Foundation Trust and CEO Lead for WY&H HCP said Check-in would remind staff to acknowledge themselves as people who also need care and support.

He said “Whether front-line, office, service or community, neighboured based, we all work incredibly hard to provide care and support to our communities, and this can take its toll.

“This campaign will help us work together to create a culture where looking after ourselves and our colleagues is seen as a vital part of our role and responsibility in order to continue to provide the best health and care for everyone across West Yorkshire and Harrogate.”

Rob Webster, CEO Lead for WY&H HCP stressed the importance of looking out for your colleagues.

He said: “While people at risk of suicide may try to hide how they are feeling, they often give out warning signs, when at work.

“You might notice changes in their behaviour or be aware of events in their life that could be affecting them. Many of us may be unsure what to say, or how to approach the situation.

“By knowing what to look for, having the skills and confidence to have a conversation and provide support, you can make a huge difference to someone’s life.”

If you or someone you know needs to talk, there are useful phone numbers to call:

Samaritans

116 123

You can call the Samaritans for free any time by calling 116 123 to talk about anything you’re going through.

You don’t have to be suicidal to call.

Leeds Crisis Assessment Centre

0800 183 1485

The Crisis Assessment Unit from the Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust supports adults experiencing an acute and complex mental health crisis who may require an extended period of assessment and treatment. It’s open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

You can call on 0800 183 1485

CALM

0800 58 58 58

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is a charity dedicated to the prevention of male suicide.

Male suicide is the single biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK.

CALM runs a helpline and webchat service between 5pm and Midnight every day to support men in the UK.

If you need to talk you can call 0800 58 58 58

Childline

0800 1111

Childline runs a helpline for children and young people and offers support on anything that’s causing distress or concern.

You can phone any time. Calls are free and the number won’t show up on your phone bill.

You can call on 0800 1111

Age UK

0800 055 6112

Loneliness can be a killer, especially for older people.

If you want to talk about loneliness, you can call Age UK on 0800 055 6112 to chat or sign up to a weekly phone call from a ‘befriender.’