"There Is Always Hope": New campaign to reduce UK suicides

A new campaign's been launched to try and combat a "tsunami" of mental health issues that have emerged through the coronavirus pandemic.

"There Is Always Hope" from Network Rail urges people to seek help in their local area, through the Hub of Hope - a database of services people can access by simply typing in their postcode.

According to the latest study by Network Rail and national mental health charity Chasing the Stigma:

• More than two thirds of 18-24 year olds say that Covid-19 has had a negative impact on their mental health compared to 28% of over 65s.
• Nearly half of Britons (48%) agree that their mental health has taken a hit since the pandemic began.

WATCH: Network Rail and Chasing The Stigma's new advert "There Is Always Hope"

What mental health issues have emerged in the pandemic?

Negative mental health symptoms have surged among all age groups over the last 12 months, with respondents reporting increases in anxiety (40%), loneliness (31%) and depression (31%).

The report also shows:

• One in 10 Britons accessed mental health support during the pandemic.
• Social isolation is experienced by almost half of those surveyed
• Three quarters of those who struggled before the pandemic say their mental health has got worse
• More than a third (36%) of those who did not struggle with their mental health prior to the pandemic have done so since it began

Why is Network Rail launching the campaign?

WATCH: Network Rail's Allan Spence and Chasing the Stigma CEO Jake Mills speak to Senior Correspondent Mick Coyle

The latest campaign forms part of the rail industry’s efforts to reduce suicides across the rail network – sadly an ongoing challenge faced by Network Rail, train operating companies and the British Transport Police.

Last year, 1500 interventions were made on Network Rail sites.

Ongoing measures are being taken to prevent such incidents from taking place, such as training thousands of industry staff and running campaigns which calls on people to look out for one another and intervene safely if they see someone who might need help.

What is the Hub of Hope?

The Hub of Hope is a database of mental health services in your local area, which can help you, or someone you know find help if they need it, for their mental health.

You can access it via the website, where services can be accessed by typing in your postcode, or download the app, and use the location on your device to find services.

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