Suicide prevention in South Asian communities was the focus of a talk by a consultant psychiatrist at an awareness-raising event in Kirklees last week. 
Dr Mohinder Kapoor, pictured right, consultant in old age psychiatry at the South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (SWYFT), covered mental health and wellbeing from children to older people in his talk at the Guru Nanak Gurdwara Skih Temple in Huddersfield on Sunday June 25th.
He joined organisations from across Kirklees at the event which aimed to help raise awareness of suicide prevention and was held as part of the month-long Kirklees Suicide Memorial And Bereavement Quilts roadshow.
The roadshow was held throughout June to bring together people in Kirklees to share lived experiences, help reduce stigma, encourage conversations and reduce isolation of those bereaved by suicide.
Dr Kapoor's presentation, which was delivered in Punjabi and presented in English, included emotional and psychological wellbeing, with a focus on some of the specific risks unique to South Asian communities.
Community members were able to speak openly about their experiences and own awareness of people who have lost their life to suicide.
Dr Kapoor said: "As a Sikh myself, I have strong connections with the Gurdwara in Huddersfield. Suicide prevention and mental health can still be a topic which is misunderstood within our South Asian communities, so I wanted to use this as a chance to open up the conversation and learn from community members about their challenges and experiences.
“I also felt it was important to talk about how communities can start to break down some of the stigma associated with talking about mental illness and suicide.
"A good place to start is by looking at three As – aware, accept, and ask. This means being aware of mental illness, accepting when mental health support is needed, and asking for help.
“There is lot of support available to help people who may be experiencing poor mental health or having suicidal thoughts."
Dr Kapoor highlighted this West Yorkshire Suicide Prevention website as a good source for advice and information about local services.
There is also the 24-hour mental health crisis and emergency helpline of 0800 183 0558, which is open seven days a week and available to anyone registered with a GP in Barnsley, Calderdale, Kirklees or Wakefield.
For information about services to support mental health and wellbeing, SWYFT has a 'choose well for mental health' guide: https://www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk/service-users-and-carers/choosewell/.