A charity leader in Wakefield who lost his father to suicide 40 years ago said “the impact of suicide lasts a lifetime”, as he spoke out in support of the Suicide Prevention Champions campaign. 
Stan Foster, CEO of mental health charity Gasped, (pictured, right) which also provides the Man Matters service, offering one-to-one support, counselling and coffee groups to men across the district, said his father’s death has had a “devastating impact” on the rest of his life.
He said: “None of the family saw any signs of it happening. We didn’t know why he’d done it. You beat yourself up looking for answers or anything you missed. You blame yourself.
“It has a devastating impact that lasts forever.”
The Suicide Prevention Champions campaign encourages people to learn more about suicide prevention, including ways to challenge stigma, raise awareness, enable conversations and signpost to support – to help create a world where fewer people die by suicide.
Stan, who has been counselling people for decades, including those at risk of suicide, described the importance of getting people to open up and talk.
He said: “That’s what Man Matters and all the other groups out there. It’s getting people to talk – and it works. I really do believe that whatever issues that person is facing, they can be moved through and can be brought back. It’s about breaking down those multiple issues. But there’s no way back from death.”
Stan says he hopes by sharing his personal experience, it will show anyone considering suicide that it affects those left behind forever.
In a poignant direct message to people across West Yorkshire, Stan said: “Over the years I’ve talked to lots of men that have had suicidal ideation and some that have attempted suicide. And lots of men have one thing in common is they all thought their family would be better off without them.
“Forty years on since my father’s suicide and I want to tell you – it’s wrong. Families aren’t better off without you. They're not better off.
“Suicide – it lives with you forever. And it affects families forever.
“That’s the message I really want to get over.”
For more information on Gasped and its Man Matters service, visit the charity's website.