Legal News

Kent County Council has launched a new campaign, which aims to reduce the number of suicides among men.

“Release the Pressure – don’t suffer in silence” is the campaign slogan – in Kent, suicide is the leading killer of men under 45.

Figures show that, in 2014, there were 163 registered suicides of which 128 (79%) were men. The rate of suicide in the county is also higher than the national average.

However, less than 20% of those who took their life in Kent were known to secondary mental health services – and research shows that men are less likely to ask for help from friends, family or mental health services than women.

Kent County Council says the “Release the Pressure” campaign was developed after research with focus groups explored the pressures that men are under, together with in depth interviews with individual men who shared the experiences and feelings that had led them to contemplate suicide.

Kent County Council Director of Public Health, Andrew Scott-Clark, said:

“Life can be incredibly tough – a bereavement or a relationship ending or increasing debt can all cause unbearable pressure in people.

“Given that the majority of these men are not in contact with mental health services before they take their own lives, they are a very difficult group to reach through traditional interventions.

“We are encouraging anyone who is feeling the pressure at the moment to talk to someone – and we also want to reach out to the friends and family of people that may be going through a rough patch, to point them in the direction of crucial support which could prevent them harming themselves.”

Kent County Council Cabinet Member of Adult Social Care and Public Health, Graham Gibbens, added:

“Suicide is a terrible tragedy for the person’s family and the whole community.

“Unfortunately it still accounts for approximately one per cent of all deaths in the county every year – and our campaign hopes to get men talking about the problems they are facing rather than suffering in silence.”

Support is free and confidential, provided by an independent charity Mental Health Matters and funded by Kent County Council.

Mental Health Matters Chief Executive Officer Helen Mackay said:

“I understand being a man in today’s world can bring many pressures – but by reaching out and talking to someone about your feelings, although it may feel daunting at first, can provide a massive release… just by knowing someone is listening.

“Our 24/7 helpline is staffed by experienced counsellors who are there to provide you with a confidential, non-judgemental listening support service.

“You don’t have to go through this alone. I would encourage anyone is feeling under pressure to make contact.”

Campaign materials will be displayed at key sites across Kent with a Freephone number to call on 0800 107 0160, where support is available from trained and experienced staff 24/7 365 days a year.

Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors

Duncan Lewis is the UK’s largest provider of Legal Aid mental health services and can advise mental health patients on a wide range of issues – including access to NHS mental health services and detention under the Mental Health Act.

Duncan Lewis mental health solicitors regularly visit NHS hospitals and police stations to advise on mental health law – and are available nationwide at short notice for hospital and police station appointments.

In some cases, Duncan Lewis mental health solicitors may be able to advise the nearest relative or carer of a mental health patient on a range of issues, including initiating treatment reviews where appropriate.

For expert legal advice on mental health law, call the Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors Helpline on 0333 772 0409.