A suicide awareness event in Bradford will hear from speakers including a mum whose daughter took her own life in 2012 and a West Yorkshire Police chief inspector who pioneered a reform of mental health support to police staff in the wake of his experience of suicide. 
Held to mark World Suicide Prevention Day, Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust (BDCT), alongside key partners, has organised a ‘Suicide Awareness’ event on September 12 to help spread the word that suicide can be prevented.
The event takes place at Kala Sangam on Monday September 12 from 10am to 3pm, with five key speakers talking about their personal experience of suicide.
They include Kay Wadsworth who in 2012 sadly lost her daughter Kimberly Rebecca Wadsworth to suicide. She now spends much of her time raising awareness of gambling suicides.
Also speaking at the event will be John Toothill, a chief inspector with West Yorkshire Police.
During his time as an officer, he attended a high number of suicides but never thought his personal life would also be so heavily affected by suicide.
He was one of the pioneers of police reform in how police staff experiencing mental health problems are supported – with several serving officers since crediting John with the fact they are still alive today.
Another key speaker will be Andrew Greenway who spent years bottling up his feelings and emotions before things came to a head.
His experience led him to Andy’s Man Club and he has since been instrumental in the growth of the group across north and west England.
Grainne Eloi, BDCT’s deputy director of nursing, professions and care standards, said: “The impact of suicide can be devastating for family and friends left behind.
“We want to raise awareness of the support available for vulnerable people contemplating taking their own lives and are fully committed to suicide prevention.
“Working in partnership with the West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership, local authority and other voluntary and community organisations, the event aims to raise awareness and support actions that prevent suicide.”
The event will also include information stalls and voluntary partners and support services to help signpost to services as well as raise awareness of how to support those in a crisis.
Bradford has the lowest suicide rate in Yorkshire and the Humber and follows the national trend of men being more likely to die by suicide then women.
To create awareness around male suicide across West Yorkshire, the West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership’s ‘Check in With Your Mate’ campaign encourages the normalisation of conversations around suicide and mental health among men to potentially saving lives. For more information visit https://staffcheck-in.co.uk/campaign-toolkit/males/.
For people who need urgent crisis care, BDCT’s First Response service offers support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to people of all ages living in Bradford, Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven, who are experiencing a mental health crisis.
People can call 0800 952 1181 and talk to a telecoach who will quickly assess their needs, including urgent support.
Or they could talk to Guide-Line about their mental health and wellbeing, operated by Bradford MIND on 08001 884 884, seven days a week from noon to midnight.
Safer Spaces also provides same-day crisis support for children, young people and adults in Bradford District and Craven. For further information visit: http://www.mindinbradford.org.uk/support-for-you/safe-spaces
For information on all mental health and wellbeing support services in Bradford and Craven and self-help resources and apps, visit www.healthyminds.services.
To find out more about the event, including how to book, visit https://bit.ly/3SPRgw2