Hope for World Mental Health Day

This World Mental Health Day, which this year focuses on suicide prevention, we are looking at our Hope Project – launched this time last year.

New statistics in the UK show that the rate of suicide has risen sharply to its highest level since 2002, with men accounting for three quarters of the number of people who took their own lives last year.

We tell the story of John who contacted our Hope Project for help when he felt life wasn’t worth living anymore. Read John’s story here.

The Hope Project works with men like John offering them practical and emotional support particularly debt and benefits advice. Hope’s Team Manager Jez Spencer said about the service:

The Hope project responds quickly to all referrals and works on a safety plan with those at risk immediately. We also identify the main stressors for individuals and develop an action plan. All of these interventions mean that the feelings of being out of control are mitigated quickly. A quick response is crucial to the success of the project.

Services to help you

• The Samaritans offer a safe place for you to talk any time you like, in your own way – about whatever’s getting to you. You don’t have to be suicidal. Call for free any time, from any phone on 116 123 or you can email jo@samaritans.org.
• Talking Money is a charity that helps people in financial hardship, face-to-face and over the phone. Call for free on 0800 121 4511
• An online resource you may find helpful is stayingsafe.net