Suicide Prevention Life Cards – Do you know where to go for help?
Tuesday 10 September is World Suicide Prevention Day and Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, in partnership with Hampshire County Council, are re-launching their NHS Life Cards and are sharing stories of people with lived experience of suicide, aiming to help anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts get access to help and support available across Hampshire and nationally.
NHS Life Cards signpost people to key organisations that offer advice, help and support to people who are having suicidal thoughts. They also provide vital resources to everyone on how to help someone with suicidal thoughts and how they can save a life. The cards are sized so they fit discreetly into wallets, phone pouches, card holders, pockets and bags allowing people to have the resources to hand, when and where they need them.
Claiming the lives of over 700,000 people each year, someone’s partner, child, parent, friend or colleague dies every 40 seconds from a suicide.
Jeremy Rowland, Consultant Psychiatrist, Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust said,
“When someone is experiencing suicidal thoughts it’s often difficult for that person to know where to seek urgent help and support, and it can be challenging for anyone who is worried about someone they know experiencing suicidal thoughts to know what to do. We want to make sure people have quick access to key organisations that can help offer the support they need to help save a life.”
Beth is autistic and struggles with her mental health. When Beth is feeling low and experiencing suicidal thoughts all she wants is someone to listen and carries a Life Card to make sure she has quick access to support if she needs it. Beth said,
"When I am having suicidal thoughts, it's difficult to know where to go to for support, the life cards are an easy way to find the help I need quickly. I carry a Life Card in my wallet so I feel reassured, that in a moment of crisis, I have the support I need to hand at all times."
Hampshire County Council’s Cabinet Lead Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, Councillor Liz Fairhurst, said,
“Preventing suicide is an important issue. Even one life lost is too many, especially when we know many of these tragedies are preventable. Talking about mental health and suicide can be difficult, but it’s crucial. The NHS Life Cards are a vital tool in this effort, providing quick access to life-saving organisations, apps, and resources for those experiencing suicidal thoughts or worried about a loved one.”
Life cards are available free to the public and all NHS and public sector, charity and voluntary organisations. Private organisations are welcome to purchase the cards at a small cost. To find out how to access a Life Card please visit: https://www.southernhealth.nhs.uk/help-crisis.
Sharing real life experiences of suicide
To help raise awareness of suicide prevention, Southern Health and Hampshire County Council will be sharing real life stories of people with lived experience of suicide. Although anyone can experience suicidal thoughts at some point in their lives, statistics show that some people are more vulnerable to suicide. These groups include young and middle-aged women, young and middle-aged men, young people, older people and people with autism and existing mental health problems. You can view these videos below:
Lara’s story https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SP60SrQp02I
“Just by getting the words out, it doesn’t have to be a professional or a friend, it can be anyone. It’s that problem shared… it really is worth it” Lara shares her story of the support she received when experiencing suicidal thoughts, sharing hope for others who find themselves in similar situations
Beth’s story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i50H4Sd7uxY
66% of autistic adults have considered suicide. Beth is autistic and struggles with her mental health. When Beth is feeling low and experiencing suicidal thoughts she explains how her autism means she cannot always communicate the way she normally would. Beth shares her personal story and give tips and advice on the importance of listening when someone is experiencing suicidal thoughts.
Ishtar’s story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyuLjcJ2o78
Ishtar has struggled with suicidal thoughts and self-harm since she was 15 years old. After losing a friend to suicide helped her realise, suicide is never the right way to go.
Beeb’s story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aHdO0F_BL4
Beeb lost her daughter to suicide and shares her heartbreaking story of the impact this had on her and her family. “I have come to realise that death by suicide for any reason is an illness of the mind and there should be no stigma attached to it”.
Stephen’s story https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2hnDm3abPQ&feature=youtu.be
Stephen tried to end his life before he sought the help he needed. He also lost his partner to suicide. “The taboo around suicide only heightens the isolation. Each of us carry our challenges in different ways and we keep it hidden when the best thing is to be open, let go of the shame and talk about it. It’s a conversation worth having because it can save a life”.
Video 6: Ellen’s story: https://youtu.be/p4m-OnTxJzM
Ellie's dad took his own life at 82 years old following a period of physical and mental health decline. At that point, her life suddenly changed forever. She shares knowledge and advice on suicide prevention and bereavement support, identifying where to go if you or someone you know is feeling suicidal.
Video 7: Young people: https://youtube.com/shorts/RjnDaf-coQE?feature=sh
In England, 25% of 11-16 year olds, and nearly 50% of 17-19 year olds with a mental disorder reported they have self-harmed or attempted suicide at some point in their lives.
Video 8: Ishtar’s Poem: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9HjXBKXQQI
Ishtar wrote the poem ‘Sunshine’ after losing her friend to suicide to remind people who are struggling to reach out for help.
Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or is concerned about someone who may be feeling suicidal can find urgent help on Southern Health’s Help in crisis webpage.
Urgent support
If you feel your life is at risk right now, call 999 or head to A&E.
If you are safe and need someone to talk to, you can get support here:
- Call NHS Mental Health Crisis support on 111
- Call Samaritans on 116 123
- Text 'HANTS' to 85258
- If you're under 19, you can also call 0800 1111 to talk to Childline. The number will not appear on your phone