A team of researchers have started a project to help understand the reasons behind the high incidence of suicide in Cumberland, and determine how best to support people with their mental health.
The study which is being conducted by researchers at Liverpool John Moores University has been commissioned by Cumberland Council and supported by the council’s Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC), which is itself funded through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). Funding for this particular project is from the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.
The research will explore residents’ and communities’ exposure to suicide, if and how it has affected their lives and, if they have considered suicide, why this was. It is also hoped to understand what could or would have helped them to make different choices.
The findings of this study will directly underpin future suicide prevention work.
An online survey is available to anyone over 18 who lives in Cumberland. This can be found online. Researchers would also like to speak directly with residents who are aged over 18 who have experience of personal suicidal thoughts or behaviours, or been affected through bereavement. They are also keen to interview anyone supporting someone who is experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviours, either personally or as part of their profession.
Cumberland currently has the fourth highest rate of suicide in the country, and this work will help inform the council’s Suicide Prevention Plan.
Colin Cox, Director of Public Health and Communities, said: “We have put improving the health and wellbeing of our residents at the heart of our services. Suicide rates are far too high in Cumberland with every death being one too many which has a devastating impact on family, friends, and the community. By better understanding the situation in Cumberland, we can start to make a difference for people and help them get the support they need.”
Dr Emma Ashworth, Reader (Associate Professor) in Child & Adolescent Mental Health, at Liverpool John Moores University, added: “We hope that this new research project will be able to shed light on the reasons behind the high suicide rates in Cumberland, and will ultimately inform strategies that help to reduce the high rates. This is a great opportunity for Cumberland residents to have their say and share their experiences, helping to influence the new strategies that are implemented.”
To find out more go to the project’s website where you can also see the participant information sheet. Residents can also contact the research team: E.L.Ashworth@ljmu.ac.uk or Becky.Clarke@Cumberland.gov.uk
More on the work of the council’s HDRC can be found at on our website.
Help and support
If you are having thoughts of suicide, or are worried about someone else, you can receive help from the following organisations:
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Samaritans, crisis listening service – call 116 123, open 24/7
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Papyrus, for the prevention of suicide of under 35s – call 0800 068 41 41, open 24/7
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Every Life Matters, suicide awareness and prevention charity in Cumbria
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NHS crisis support – call 111, open 24/74
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Andys Man Club - ANDYSMANCLUB are a men’s suicide prevention charity, offering free-to-attend peer-to-peer support groups across the United Kingdom and online.