Campaign launched to reduce suicides among middle aged men in Rotherham

A new campaign has been launched aimed at tackling suicide rates among men in Rotherham.
L to r:- Terri Roche,director of public health, Dr Richard Cullen, vice-chair of the strategic clinical executive, Dr Julie Kitlowski, chair of the CCG governing body and chair of the strategic clinical executive, councillor David Roche, cabinet member for health.L to r:- Terri Roche,director of public health, Dr Richard Cullen, vice-chair of the strategic clinical executive, Dr Julie Kitlowski, chair of the CCG governing body and chair of the strategic clinical executive, councillor David Roche, cabinet member for health.
L to r:- Terri Roche,director of public health, Dr Richard Cullen, vice-chair of the strategic clinical executive, Dr Julie Kitlowski, chair of the CCG governing body and chair of the strategic clinical executive, councillor David Roche, cabinet member for health.

A joint scheme between Rotherham Council, South Yorkshire Police, NHS Rotherham Clinical Commissioning Group and Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust, the suicide prevention campaign is an attempt to encourage men to speak about issues troubling them.

It is specifically aimed at middle aged males, as nationally men aged 45 to 59 had the highest suicide rate in 2014 for the second year in a row - a trend which campaign leaders say is also reflected in Rotherham.

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In addition, Rotherham Samaritans takes about 14,000 calls every year from people who are having suicidal thoughts or having mental health problems.

Campaign materials carrying the ‘Don’t let silence kill you’ message are being distributed across the borough using various print and online channels to help maximise the reach. In addition there will also be a drive to encourage friends and family to spot the warning signs and to speak out about their concerns.

Councillor David Roche, the council’s cabinet member for public health, said: ”We know that the majority of men who take their own lives aren’t known to mental health services so we are encouraging anyone who is having suicidal thoughts or feeling the pressure to talk to someone before it is too late.”

Visit www.rotherham.gov.uk/preventsuicide