Start to Success is working with Keele & Staffordshire University, Keele and Staffordshire Students’ Unions’ and the local council to bring you the new #TalkSuicide campaign.

 

The campaign aims to bring individuals, organisations and businesses together to help prevent suicide in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. We all believe that by bringing people together, the small things we all do can make a BIG difference.

Not sure where to start?

Start here!

  • Watch this simple online awareness session from the Zero Suicide Alliance.

  • It’s interactive and takes around 20 mins.

  • You can take part anytime, from anywhere (with web access).

  • It's as simple as that - in just 20 minutes you'll gain the skills to save a life!

 

Download your ‘Talking to someone who might be Suicidal’ Booklet

Spotting the signs!

Not everyone who is contemplating suicide lets their friends or family know how they are feeling. Below are some of the signs to look out for:

  • Complaining of feeling hopeless

  • A pattern of sudden rage

  •  Risky behaviour with little concern about the consequences

  • Talking about feeling trapped

  • Self-harming

  • Misusing drugs or alcohol more than usual

  • Change in appetite

  • Withdrawing from friends and family

  • Anxiety

  • Trouble sleeping, or sleeping too much

  • Sudden lift in mood after being depressed

  • Losing interest in most things, including own appearance

Myth Busting!

One of the key aims of the #TalkSuicide campaign is to raise awareness of the myths and facts around suicide. See whether you think these statements are true or false….

“Men are more at risk ”

True: The highest suicide rate in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent is among men in their 40s and 50s. They are dads, sons, brothers, uncles, best mates, team mates, work mates. They’re someone you know.

This is because the pressure on men to be strong, independent, tough and 'together', often discourages them from seeking help and talking about how they feel.  And the stigma of mental health prevents many men from sharing their feelings.

 

“Suicide is always caused by a big traumatic event”

False: Most suicides are actually caused by a build-up of stressful or painful events over time, rather than one single cause.

“Suicide can’t be prevented”

False: People who experience suicidal thoughts often don’t want to die, they simply want their pain to stop.

Emotional support and understanding offered to someone who feels like they can’t go on can have a hugely positive effect. If people feel they can ask for help and find it when they need it, then more suicides can be prevented.

 

“You can’t tell someone may be feeling suicidal by looking at them”

True: Someone who appears happy, successful, strong and together can be struggling immensely. If you recognise a warning sign from someone you don’t think could possibly be suicidal, take it seriously and use it as an opportunity to have an honest conversation.

We believe that anyone and everyone can gain the skills to save a life with #TalkSuicide. Most of us really don’t like to talk about suicide, but simply talking and listening to someone who is thinking about suicide can be lifesaving.

Support and more information

Keele and Staffordshire University services