Wrexham AFC are proud to be supporting World Suicide Prevention Day today, Friday September 10, and their international theme of Creating Hope Through Action.
On this day, and every day, we remember those lives lost to suicide, and those impacted by it.
We as a Club urge any person struggling with suicidal thoughts to reach out and ask for help. Our Dragon Chat men’s mental health peer support group runs every Thursday evening, offering a safe environment to talk to fellow supporters, with at least two experienced facilitators within the group.
Dragon Chat founder Steve Lloyd has also shared the key advice and information below, for both those experiencing suicidal thoughts and for friends and family who wish to help to create safe environments.
World Suicide Prevention Day 2021 – Advice and Information from Dragon Chat
While there is no one cause of suicide, we know there are many factors that increase a person’s risk for suicide, including the loss of a job, serious illness, financial, criminal, legal, and relationship problems to name a few.
Suicide often occurs in a moment of unbearable pain or deep despair. Many individuals with mental health needs are overcome with a sense of overwhelming hopelessness, and feel they have nowhere to turn.
Mental health concerns can affect any of us at any time, we are all vulnerable to the stresses of life and nobody is immune to the challenges especially during the current pandemic.
Feelings of isolation and vulnerability can increase leading to thoughts of suicide, which are distressing for the person.
There are alternatives, so give yourself some time to find some help, some support with coping and talk to others about how you are really feeling.
Allow others to care for you just as you would if your best friend came to tell you they are experiencing suicidal thoughts – talk to yourself as you would talk to your friend.
Although the support of family is crucial for people who may be at risk of suicide and for people who have lost someone to suicide, it is not always enough.
Often more formal help is also needed. There are also many experienced and skilled people working in organisations who can help people who need to talk.
What can we do help? By creating a safe, supportive space we can signal to people experiencing suicidal thoughts there is hope, we care about them and want to support them.
Talking is the first step although it can often be the hardest one. Wrexham AFC would encourage any person struggling with suicidal thoughts to reach out and ask for help.
In cases of emergency where risk is imminent call 999.
If any person has taken an overdose they need to be taken to nearest District General Hospital immediately for treatment, (if required).
If a person has experienced self-harm and the injury requires medical treatment go to the appropriate medical setting (G.P, Minor Injury Unit or Accident & Emergency Department) depending on the injury.
If a person expresses suicidal thoughts and goes missing, call the Police on 999 or 101 and report what has happened. Make sure you tell the Police about any previous overdoses, suicidal ideation or destructive behaviour that has caused injuries.
Here are some other helpful numbers and agencies to call:
The Community Advice and Listening Line provide 24 hour service 365 days a year for Wales. C.A.L.L helpline 0800 132 737 https://callhelpline.org.uk/
Resources
https://www.getselfhelp.co.uk/suicidal-thoughts-a-guide/
Safety planning
https://www.stayingsafe.net/sites/default/files/BlankSafetyPlan.pdf
Other helpful phone numbers
Breathing Space – 0800 83 85 87
Samaritans – 08457 90 90 90
SAMH – 0800 917 3466
NHS 24 – 111
National Suicide Helpline UK – 0800 689 5652
Don’t forget Wrexham AFC’s Dragon Chat is available to attend via Zoom every Thursday from 7pm-8:30pm, for males over 18 who want a safe place to talk.
Dragon Chat is looking to offer a group for women, if you wish to volunteer to assist in running a service please contact us on dragonchat247@gmail.com.