People with personal experience of suicide are being sought to help shape the future of suicide prevention work across West Yorkshire.
Mental health charity Leeds Mind has appealed for volunteers with lived experience to come forward to work with staff on a project which aims to explore how to best prevent suicide and ultimately influence decision-making and strategies across West Yorkshire.
The volunteer roles have come about through the vital work of West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership’s Suicide Prevention Programme, which recently funded the post of Suicide Prevention Coproduction Coordinator at Leeds Mind, who will be responsible for supporting the new volunteers.
‘Coproduction’ is one of the main aims of the Suicide Prevention Programme’s five-year strategy - which launched this year based on a long-term vision for zero suicides in West Yorkshire - and involves people with lived experience being at the heart of prevention work.
Volunteers can include anyone who has been bereaved or impacted by suicide, has experienced suicidal thoughts, has previously made an attempt on their own life, knows someone who has tried to take their own life or has supported – or is currently supporting – someone experiencing suicidal thoughts.
The role asks for a minimum of four hours, monthly, with tasks including carrying out engagement within communities as well as with existing suicide prevention services and also with service users.
Volunteers will shape the project, but it could involve hosting focus or group sessions, partnering with local organisations, speaking in staff meetings or holding one-to-one conversations.
The project is funded for two years – with volunteers asked for a minimum of six months’ involvement - and will culminate in the production of a report, based on the engagement carried out by volunteers, which will make recommendations for systems change in West Yorkshire.
To find out more, or for an informal chat, contact Arlie Haslam, Suicide Prevention Coproduction Coordinator, via email at Arlie.haslam@leedsmind.org.uk or 07976 921776 or 0113 3055800.