Please see below details of the local programme to improve suicide awareness and prevention, and the Z card scheme:
A new Suicide Prevention wallet sized Zcard designed by the Shropshire and Telford Suicide Prevention Network will be launched on Sunday 8th September 2019, aimed at people of all ages who are experiencing suicidal thoughts or who are concerned for others. The purpose of the Zcard is to provide;
- Brief advice and guidance on how to address concerns
- Contacts for a confidential, listening ear
- Primary contacts to seek immediate appropriate support
The Zcards are small enough to be easily carried in a wallet, purse or pocket so as to be used as reference whenever needed.
The Zcards are part of the actions outlined as a response to the Shropshire and Telford Suicide Prevention Strategy (launched in 2017). The Strategy is being implemented by two Action Groups (one in Shropshire and one in Telford), with representation across health, social care, emergency and blue light services, voluntary services, experts by experience amongst others. Priorities are centred around;
- Reducing stigma of talking about suicide or self-harm to promote seeking early support
- Raising awareness of suicide risk and what support is available
- Providing appropriate support to those bereaved by suicide who are at greater risk themselves
There are also other resources that may be of interest:
- Free online Suicide prevention training (20 min video on see, say, signpost): www.zerosuicidealliance.com/training
This is a great resource on how to identify risk and how to have difficult conversations. Please encourage all staff to view this.
- Help Is At Hand: A national resource for support after suicide (physical cards available to order direct from the website for free): https://supportaftersuicide.org.uk/support-guides/help-is-at-hand
Pick up the phone you are not alone Suicide concertina pages