HIGH Somerset suicide rates lead to an appeal from Somerset Public Health leaders, asking local sports and community clubs to partner with them.

The suicide rate in Somerset currently stands at 12.7 per 100,000, which is above the national average.

This means that each year on average 60-65 people lose their lives to suicide in Somerset.

Suicide prevention charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) Missing Birthdays installation at Westfield White City London, made up of 6,929 balloons that represent a real young life lost to suicide. Suicide prevention charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), "Missing Birthdays" installation at Westfield White City London, made up of 6,929 balloons that represent a real young life lost to suicide. (Image: David Parry) Public Health Somerset are planning to run a series of community suicide prevention courses, training people on how to spot the early signs of suicide, to raise awareness of the issue and show people how to access local support services.

Councillor Graham Oakes, Executive Member for Public Health, Climate Change and Environment at Somerset Council said: "As friends, family members and colleagues, we are most likely to be the first to notice when something doesn't seem right with someone. Training can give people confidence to start a conversation which could save a life.

"Training will be free and we are hoping that clubs and community groups in Somerset will come on board because they are often the focal point of any community."

There will be two types of training courses offered:

Suicide Awareness (one hour)

This one hour training session is aimed for anyone in the local community who wants to understand more about suicide and what we can all do to make a difference.

Suicide Alertness (four hours)

This four hour long training session is aimed for anyone who wants to understand more about suicide, how to know when someone may be having thoughts of suicide, how to talk directly and comfortably about suicide, and what we can all do to offer practical support to somebody in crisis.

The maximum number of people in one session is 24.

The sessions will enable people to learn about common myths and key facts about suicide, equipping them with skills to talk openly and honestly about suicide and allowing them to understand how our stigmas and attitudes can have an impact. 

Professor Trudi Grant, Executive Director of Public and Population Health, joint appointment between Somerset Council and NHS Somerset said: "Whilst the reasons for an individual taking their own life are often complex, evidence shows that kind, supportive communities, where mental health and suicide are destigmatised can act as a protective factor.

"Training gives people the confidence to recognise signs, understand how to start a supportive conversation about suicide and know where to signpost people for professional support early."

Any club interested in partnering with this "vital" project should contact Amy Hardwick, Health Improvement Manager for Mental Health and Wellbeing: amy.hardwick@somerset.gov.uk.