World Suicide Prevention Day

<h2> World Suicide Prevention Day</h2><p>A round-up by Charlotte Fantelli</p><p>Today (10th September 2012) is World Suicide Prevention Day. It is a day to reflect on the tragedies that have been and a day to celebrate what steps are being taken towards a brighter future for those who face the darkest times.<img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/friends.jpg" style="margin-left: 20px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px; float: right; width: 300px; height: 228px; " /></p><p>We at Mental Healthy wish to look at the great things being done to educate, support and inspire courage in people who are vulnerable. Let us look at what is being done here in the UK and around the world:</p><h2> SANE</h2><p>SANE are undertaking a very important suicide prevention study. Please get involved by clicking on the <a href="http://www.sane.org.uk/uploads/suicide_research_brochure_july-2012.pdf" target="_blank">suicide prevention PDF</a> and having a read - this also gives details of the support services SANE provides.&nbsp;</p><p>Please remember SANELine is open 6pm-11pm daily - 0845 767 8000</p><h2> U Can Cope</h2><p>Open Minds, Connecting People and The Mental Health Foundation have teamed up with over 100 UK organisations including Samaritans and the Royal College of Psychiatrists, to produce an incredible film, we have the privilege of sharing with you below.</p><p><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/48721158" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe></p><p>The inspiring film, <em>U Can Cope</em>, was produced by Southwick Media Consultancy and tells the stories of three people who each faced <a href="/depression">depression</a> and neared suicide. Each one has come through and lives to tell others about life beyond the despair. The aptly titled film tells others who maybe facing similar times &#39;you can cope!&#39;. Each voice in the film sought help and pulled through, advocating the importance of speaking out and seeking help.</p><p>The Royal College of Psychiatrists has created a factsheet that goes along with the film, you can access this here:&nbsp;http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/</p><h2> Government</h2><p>Today the government announced its suicide prevention scheme, backed by a &pound;1.5million research pledge.</p><p>The scheme aims to</p><ul><li> research the area of suicide</li><li> to better understand&nbsp;better the needs of the most vulnerable</li><li> reduce suicides among those with a history of self-harm</li><li> research suicides among children</li><li> better understand the use of the internet in the suicidal</li><li> prevent loss of live</li><li> better&nbsp;support those bereaved by suicide</li></ul><p>Norman Lamb,&nbsp;the care services minister,&nbsp;said: &quot;One death to suicide is one too many &ndash; we want to make suicide prevention everyone&#39;s business.&quot;</p><p>This strategy is backed by the Samaritans.</p><h2> Belfast</h2><p>Over 200 people took to the streets in a &#39;remembrance walk&#39; held at City Hall. Belfast has one of the highest suicide rates in Europe, and the walk remembered those lost by suicide. The dawn walk symbolises coming out of the darkness and into the light.</p><h2> Taiwan</h2><p>Taiwan joined in the important cause, by opening a suicide prevention centre for military personnel in Taipei. It is hoped that the centre will dramatically cut the number of suicides committed by military personnel.</p><h2> USA</h2><div> It may not be today, but the commitment shown by President Barack Obama last week should not be left out of our suicide prevention round-up. The American President signed an executive order directing federal agencies to expand suicide prevention efforts and take steps to meet the demands for mental health and substance abuse treatments for veterans.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div> He also vowed to provide better support for those suffering from <a href="/anxiety/ptsd">post traumatic stress disorder </a>(PTSD) and brain injuries.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div> Obama said: &quot;If you&#39;re hurting, it&#39;s not a sign of weakness to seek help, it&#39;s a sign of strength. We are here to help you stay strong, Army strong. That&#39;s the commitment I&#39;m making to you.&quot;</div><p>There are many things taking place this Suicide Prevention Day. We would love to hear your story, or what you and your organisation are doing, so we have opened up comments below. Please do share with us your part of this important day.</p><h2> Please share your events and stories with us below:</h2>