Lambeth Together Marks World Suicide Prevention Day

To mark World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September 2019, key organisations across Lambeth came together for an event hosted by Lambeth Together, to discuss how we call all have life-saving conversations.

In Lambeth, on average two of our residents die by suicide each month, with many more making suicide attempts. Across London, 11 people a week lose their life to suicide. Difficult economic circumstances, loneliness, drugs and alcohol, self-harm, trauma and mental health issues, all play a part. The consequences of each death on our families and communities are devastating and long-lasting. Each suicide affects on average ten additional people.

At the event, the council’s new lead Zero suicide champion Cllr Joshua Lindsey committed us to a target of 6,000 Lambeth-based staff and residents being trained in basic awareness by September 2020. The event also saw presentations on suicide prevention strategies from organisations such as Solidarity in Crisis and The Sanctuary, as well as special guest Jonny Benjamin, who experienced a life-saving conversation on Waterloo Bridge.

One of the key outcomes of discussions at the event was the need to improve confidence and create environments where we can listen effectively, have an honest conversation and sign-post effectively. Lambeth’s new crisis pathway and single point of access, the Living Well Network Alliance, will play a key role in making sure people have access to the right help at the right time. This leaflet also displays information on the crisis support available in Lambeth.

If you would like to get involved, there is a range of suicide prevention awareness training available to people in Lambeth. Please start by taking the free 20 minute awareness course and telling your colleagues. ‘Save a life, take the training’: https://www.thriveldn.co.uk/campaigns/zerosuicideldn/.

There will also be a few free face-to-face training sessions in the borough. Lambeth Council are looking for organisations to host these with them. To find out more please contact Stef Abrar at SAbrar@lambeth.gov.uk.