Northern Ireland has one of the highest suicide rates compared to other areas of the UK, with the Western Health and Social Care Trust area having a suicide rate of 16 deaths per 100,000 of the population. The trust has said each suicide has far-reaching social, emotional, and economic consequences, deeply affecting both individuals and families.
In partnership with the Public Health Agency and other HSC trusts the month-long campaign encourages everyone to take 10 minutes out of their day for self-care using the ‘Take five steps to wellbeing’.
The trust said it is easy to start adding the ‘Take five steps to wellbeing’ to your daily routine, and taking care of your mental health and managing stress is important.
Also, it can help to support and care for others in need.
The ‘Take five steps to wellbeing’ are:
- Connect
- Keep learning
- Be active
- Take notice
- Give
Colleen Harkin, assistant director of Community Adult Mental Health Services, said, “We want everyone in the workplace to start the conversation about mental health and to discuss the importance of the ‘Take five steps to wellbeing’ initiative.
“The trust is part of the regional ‘Towards Zero Suicide Patient Safety Collaborative’ which researches and adopts best practices in suicide prevention. We want to encourage everyone to engage in open and honest discussions about mental health and suicide so we can break down the barriers and raise awareness. Many aspects of life impact on our health and wellbeing, including the environment we live in, poverty, isolation, relationships and employment to mention just a few.”
Furthermore, the trust wants to encourage individuals to learn more about mental health and suicide prevention. It has planned training events throughout the trust area and online for the public alongside those working in the community, voluntary and statutory sectors who are committed to the promotion of positive mental health and the prevention of suicide.
Nuala Campbell, improvement manager for Towards Zero Suicide Service, commented, “The trust recognises the importance of promoting positive mental health messages through a range of activities highlighted on the calendar of training events.
“It is vital that those living within the western trust area are aware of relevant mental health and suicide prevention training, initiatives and programmes which they can access locally. Suicide is everyone’s business and there is a shared responsibility to do all we can to prevent it.”