In an effort to foster a community that prioritises mental health and supports those in need, a ground-breaking initiative titled 'Everyday Mental Health Hero' is set to launch in the Salford community. This initiative, led by the leading Mental Health Charity ‘START Inspiring Minds’ and their award-winning ‘Reach Out; Start to End Suicide’ campaign, aims to inspire, educate, and empower individuals to meaningfully connect with one another, raise awareness of suicide prevention, and foster a supportive environment for mental health wellbeing.
The 'Everyday Mental Health Hero' initiative introduces a three-stage model designed to engage a diverse cross-section of the Salford community:
LEARN: Participants will engage with trained living experience engagement workers and undergo online suicide prevention training. The program, developed by the Zero Suicide Alliance and hosted by GM Health & Social Care's 'Shining a Light on Suicide', offers real-life stories and scenario videos to equip participants with the skills to recognise warning signs and provide support.
PLEDGE: Individuals will make a public pledge to reach out when they or others are in need. Research shows that publicly committing to a goal increases the likelihood of follow-through, and by joining the 'Everyday Mental Health Hero' community, participants support and motivate each other to uphold their commitments.
WEAR: Community members will wear a distinctive ‘Hear to Hear’ badge, signalling their willingness to listen and support others. While wearing the badge doesn't imply having all the answers, it signifies being a friendly ear and knowing how to connect individuals with available support services.
The initiative also provides bespoke resources including signposting to online training, bereavement support, and local services such as the Samaritans helpline. These resources, including posters, info cards, and more, aim to reinforce the message of 'Everyday Mental Health Hero' throughout the community.
"Everyday Mental Health Hero' seeks to demonstrate to those struggling with mental health challenges that they are not alone," said Dennis Baldwin, Project Manager of the initiative. "Through education, commitment, and visible support, we aim to build a community where individuals feel empowered to seek help and support one another."
The 'Everyday Mental Health Hero' initiative is poised to transform attitudes towards mental health and suicide prevention in Salford, fostering a resilient community where lives are saved through collective action and support.
If you would like to sign up your Salford based organisation to ‘Everyday Mental Health Hero’ campaign email dennisb@startinspiringminds.org.uk
To keep up to date and join the 'Everyday Mental Health Hero' campaign, visit www.startinspiringminds.org.uk/reachout or join our social media @reachoustes.
Are you having suicidal thoughts, are worried about someone who think maybe suicidal or experiencing difficulties coping after the loss of someone to suicide please visit ‘Shining A Light On Suicide’ http://www.shiningalightonsuicide.org.uk/