Mental Health Solicitors

The City of Wolverhampton Council has announced a series of activities to mark Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September.

The council says that organisations in Wolverhampton will be seeking to break the taboo around mental health, as the city marks World Suicide Prevention Day with a week long programme of events.

As well as the council organising a series of activities, it is also encouraging people to help raise awareness of the importance of good mental health and wellbeing, while helping to tackle some of the stigma which surrounds the issue.

Suicide rates in Wolverhampton are below the West Midlands average and continue to fall. However, a total of 64 people – mainly men – took their own lives in the city between 2012 and 2014.

The events taking place in the run up to World Suicide Prevention Day on Saturday 10 September aim to get people thinking about their own mental health and wellbeing, as well as that of others, says the council – which will also highlight the help and support available locally.

Activities include information sessions and PAPYRUS will be running training sessions, which will be delivered to employees from the council and other organisations across the city, which come into contact with people at risk of suicide or acute distress, including individuals and schools.

The City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, Councillor Paul Sweet, said:

“The council and its partners are committed to tackling stigma around mental health and discrimination.

“These activities are not only designed to raise awareness of the issues – but also highlight services like Samaritans Wolverhampton and PAPYRUS, which can help people who are going through a troubling period in their lives.

"The message is clear – if you or someone you know is in a dark place, don't suffer in silence: help and support is out there.”

Samaritans provides confidential emotional support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair – including feelings which could lead to suicide. However, many of its calls are not about suicide, but from people who feel upset or confused and just want to talk to someone, says the service.

Branch director of Samaritans, Vernon Dodd, added:

“This year we are celebrating 50 years in Wolverhampton – and we are really proud that Samaritans has been helping people through difficult times for such a long time.

“People can contact us at any time of day or night – there are many ways to get in touch, including email and text, as well as by phone and visiting the branch to speak to a volunteer face-to-face.”

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 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 020 3114 1124.