Suicide prevention campaign launches across Herefordshire and Worcestershire
It's aims to spread awareness and provide resources to those who're struggling
A new suicide prevention campaign has launched across Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show 82 people took their own lives across the two counties in 2020.
However, the true impact of the pandemic on this data is not yet known.
A range of resources are available on the Now We're Talking website to help raise awareness, educate and signpost people to support available in the two counties.
The three year campaign aims to support those struggling with mental health and provide early intervention to the issue which is completely preventable.
On the website is advice on how get you through a crisis, conversation starters for talking about suicide, step by step guides to help someone in crisis and advice for self-care when supporting someone.
Louise McEvoy, project lead for suicide prevention in Herefordshire and Worcestershire, said: "We don't yet know the full impact of the pandemic on the rates of suicide across our region.
"The effects of this are going to be felt for years and year to come so at the moment it's an emerging picture which we're monitoring closely.
"What we do know is that the pandemic has exacerbated existing risk factors for people who are at risk of taking their own lives and that's what we're really focusing our prevention around".
The campaign also takes a particular focus on the fact that suicide disproportionately affects men.
Across England and Wales, the latest ONS statistics show 5,224 people died by suicide in 2020 - and three quarters of those were men.
Louise added: "It's the idea that men can't reach out and that they need to be touch and strong.
"I think that's some of the stigma that we really can make huge strides to breakdown.
"It's about encouraging people to seek help early rather than letting it get to the point of crisis."
If you're struggling, head to the Now We're Talking website or call the 24/7 confidential helpline on 0808 196 9127.
Alternatively, visit the Hub of Hope website which has a list of all the support services in your local area