Meridian Wellbeing are partnering with Barnet Council to prevent lives being lost to suicide

Trigger Warning: the article contains references to mental health crisis and suicide   

The 10th October was World Mental Health Day, a day when we come together to raise awareness about mental health and the actions we can take to support ourselves and each other.   

Sadly, mental health continues to be something which isn’t spoken about enough, both here in the UK and around the world. The result unfortunately is that many people find themselves unable access support when they need it most - leaving many in a desperate situation.   

The World Health Organisation, which brings together governments, charities etc to improve health and wellbeing, estimates that worldwide one person dies by suicide every 45 seconds and suicide is the fourth leading cause of death in 15–19-year-olds.   

Papyrus, a suicide prevention charity, estimates that in the UK someone dies by suicide approximately every 90 minutes, and around five young people take their lives each day. 

Each life lost was someone’s loved one, friend or family.   

But suicide not only takes a life, it also tears families, friends and communities apart.    

That is why Barnet Council have developed a new strategy to proactively prevent people losing their lives to suicide in Barnet. The new strategy builds on the successes of Barnet Public Health’s first strategy launched in 2019. The aim is to stop suicide being a leading cause of deaths, particularly amongst young people, in the borough.   

Meridian Wellbeing has over 30 years experience supporting people on their mental health and wellbeing journey. That’s why we’re proud to be part of Barnet’s Suicide Prevention Partnership and are partnering with Barnet’s Public Health team in the launch of their Suicide Prevention Strategy on World Mental Health Day.  

The Council and Public Health team believes, as we do, that we are stronger together and that by working together we can prevent further deaths.  

While the Strategy is taking a number of important steps, some of the key areas Meridian Wellbeing are supporting in are:  

• Targeted support for difficult to reach communities, for example Hong Kong BNO immigrants: 

• We deliver mental health workshops including “Mental Health First Aid: Depression & Supporting Strategies” with safety planning and local emergency contacts. 

• We have also created bilingual resources and safety plans to support those at risk.  

• Strengthening Risk Management and Safeguarding: 

• We have embedded safeguarding in our staff induction, including training on identifying and managing suicide risk. 

• All staff are provided with a Risk Management Flow Chart and guidance on escalation pathways. 

• Four staff trained are in Papyrus’ ASIST, including two HK BNOs for culturally sensitive support. 

• Two Wellbeing Hub navigators completed Real Talk training focused on suicide prevention in finance, housing, and substance abuse contexts. 

Most importantly, we will be working hard with Barnet Council, and other partners, to ensure that anyone who is struggling knows that they are not alone and support is here.   

For more information on Barnet’s Strategy, please visit.  

Later this month, we will be speaking with one of the authors of the Council’s Suicide Prevention Strategy on our podcast, The Word on Wellbeing. You will be able to find this and our other episodes wherever you listen to your podcasts or by visiting: https://www.meridianwellbeing.com/resources   

Where can I get help?  

NHS 111 provides support for those experiencing mental health distress, you can find out more here.  

Samaritans offer a range of support services, more information can be found on their website: www.samaritans.org/   

Papyrus has a 24 hour hotline offering support for young people - more information can be found on their website at: https://www.papyrus-uk.org/papyrus-HOPELINE247/   

Meridian Wellbeing has launched a new Counselling & CBT service with the aim of ensuring everyone can access high quality mental health support and therapy. You can find out more by visiting meridianwellbeing.com/counselling-services 

 Image by "#68 A Pair of Hands - Holding Hands" by RichardBH is licensed under CC BY 2.0.