“One of the things that is really important around suicide is to be able to talk openly and directly about it especially as we mark World Suicide Prevention Day.” These are the thoughts of Assistant Director for Acute Mental Health Fiona Dagg as World Suicide Prevention Day is observed on September 10.
Fiona explained how the theme for 2024 is about, “Changing the narrative on suicide with a call to start the conversation,” around the ever prevalent societal issue.
Fiona said, “We have an amazing project within the Trust called ‘Towards Zero Suicide’ and within that we have a Lived Experience Forum and it’s really important to have service users, carers and staff involved.”
“Our Lived Experience Forum are absolutely fabulous and have developed booklets for those waiting in ED who could be in crisis and seeking help. Our lived experience group members also sit on all of our sub groups including suicide awareness training, suicide prevention and safety planning. They bring that sense of hope to others and also help inform future services’ said Fiona.
Fiona continued, “One of the main benefits of having people with lived experience involved within all of our different groups, is that it can really bring a sense of reality around the seriousness of suicide. It also helps us understand how much we can support those individuals who are struggling because the people who are there have walked that path and they have survived. They can bring real hope to those who are struggling with thoughts of suicide.”
Leanne, a volunteer with the Lived Experience Forum stressed how she wanted to get involved due to a number of her friends having tragically taken their own lives through suicide.
“I wanted to become involved with the Forum as I thought this was a good way to give back to others,” said Leanne. “Being part of the Forum is a way to voice concerns and you can learn from other people. It’s another way to start the conversation, to use the word ‘suicide’ without any judgement.”