There Is Always Hope: New campaign to reduce UK suicides
Staffordshire and Cheshire rail staff reveal there were 1500 suicide interventions across the UK network last year
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 in Staffordshire and Cheshire over the last 12 months, with respondents across the West Midlands reporting increases in anxiety (40%), loneliness (31%) and depression (31%).
The report also shows:
- Two in five (41%) people in the West Midlands say their mental health has been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Yet only 6% of people in the region have accessed support for their mental health during the outbreak.
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.