SOLIHULL Council is calling for more people to join them to help prevent suicide.
Over 300 people and 22 organisations across the borough have signed the Solihull Zero Suicide Pledge.
Touchwood Solihull is the latest organisation to sign the pledge which was originally launched in 2018.
It is part of Solihull Council’s action plan to reduce suicides in the borough as everybody has a role to play in preventing suicide.
The theme for this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day on Saturday 10 September is ‘creating hope through action’.
By signing the pledge, people are making a commitment to look after family, friends and colleagues and take 20-minute online training to spot the warning signs in others and signpost them to help.
Organisations are also being asked to make a commitment to look after the wellbeing of their staff and encourage their workforce to sign up to the personal pledge.
Deputy Leader of Solihull Council and chair of Solihull’s health and wellbeing board, Coun Karen Grinsell said: “Every life lost to suicide is heart breaking. It’s a tragedy for those that take their own life and for their family, friends, colleagues and community.
“We believe suicide is preventable and want to achieve zero suicides in Solihull. We can all play our part in making this happen by signing up to the Solihull Zero Suicide Pledge.
“The training gives some great advice on how to approach a simple conversation with someone you’re concerned about as quite often this can make a real difference. By looking out for people we are concerned about, we can show them that there is hope, that we care and there is support available.”
Tony Elvin, general manager at Touchwood Solihull added: “Looking after the wellbeing of our employees and those that shop with us is of paramount importance.
“By signing the Solihull Zero Suicide Pledge we are making a commitment as an organisation to talk openly about suicide and help those in distress. I know it is a difficult subject to approach but talking openly about suicidal thoughts and feelings can save a life.”
Visit https://www.solihull.gov.uk/health-and-wellbeing/suicide-prevention-services for more information.
