An annual suicide prevention conference in Cornwall has once again been hailed a success by the individuals and organisations that attended.
Around 200 people came together as part of the ongoing drive to reduce the number of suicides in our communities.
The annual ‘Towards Zero’ event took place on November 13 at The Pavilion Centre at the Royal Cornwall Showground in Wadebridge and included a range of presentations, workshops and networking opportunities.
It was organised by Public Health Cornwall with the theme of ‘Changing the narrative on suicide’.
This builds on last year’s conference with the same theme, but with a call to action of starting conversations to help break down stigma around suicide.
Representatives from a variety of organisations from health and care, voluntary, charitable and social enterprise sectors as well as residents with lived experience delivered presentations and workshops.
Topics included the links between self-harm and suicide, using artificial intelligence to learn more about the risk and protective factors for suicide, and initiatives within the voluntary sector.
Cllr Thalia Marrington, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Public Health, said:
“Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy and has a devastating impact on families, friends, and entire communities. It’s vital that we confront this issue openly and work together, which is exactly what the Towards Zero event is designed to achieve.
“Free training is available for anyone living or working in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, helping people feel more confident in having these conversations and guiding others to the right support.”
Dr Ruth Goldstein, Assistant Director of Public Health, who spoke at the event, said:
“There is a huge amount of work going on to change and improve the way we support people having suicidal thoughts, as well as those who have been bereaved by suicide, but there is always more to do.
"Collaboration is key so it was fantastic to see so many people coming together for this year’s event and once again putting suicide prevention at the top of everyone’s priorities. It is testament to the commitment to joint working in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly.”
If you are worried about your own or someone else’s mental health, call 111 and select the mental health option (option 2). This call is free and will enable you to speak to a mental health professional in Cornwall. It is available to anyone, of any age, at any time.
People in Mind is a collaboration between community sector organisations, funded by Cornwall Council and NHS. They offer non-urgent mental health support for people who are 16 and older in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly. You can call 01872 266383 via a dedicated telephone line 7 days a week 8am – 8pm or email welcome@kernowgateway.org.uk
For more information about support services available, training information and videos from the event visit the council’s Towards Zero Suicide web pages.