Suffolk User Forum launched a new animation on the 8th September called LISTEN for Suicide Prevention. 

The animation is to help people at risk of suicide and was launched to coincide with World Suicide Day on 10 September - the theme this year was “hope through action”.

It was created by service users and family/parent carers working with Suffolk User Forum, in partnership with Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT) and funded by Suffolk Public Health.

The animation outlines practical steps about how to start a conversation with someone experiencing suicidal thoughts. 

Watch the animation

Jayne Stevens, Chief Executive Officer of SUF, said: “The animation has been carefully curated to explore ways of managing suicidal thoughts and feelings. It provides a step-by-step process for anyone needing to connect with someone in distress, helping them to reach out with kindness and compassion, and save lives.

“It challenges stigma, encourages open conversations and provides resources for people who are facing mental health challenges and distress.”

The animation will to be rolled out across Suffolk in the coming weeks through online platforms, social media and community events, working closely with schools, workplaces and community organisations.

Jayne added: “By combining the professional expertise in mental health with the insight of people who have lived experience, we have created a powerful tool that aims to encourage conversations, promote understanding and ultimately help save the lives of those struggling with suicidal thoughts and emotional distress.”

A range of resources, including credit card reminders and posters, have been updated to coincide with the animation launch.

NSFT Chief Executive Stuart Richardson said: “The LISTEN campaign aims to help people to better understand what they can do and say to someone who is experiencing suicidal thoughts and emotional distress. These resources can help people feel more confident in how best to reach out to friends, family or even strangers, to provide support and to start a conversation which can really make a difference.”

Andrew Reid, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Public Protection, said: “It can be very distressing when someone we care about feels suicidal and it can be difficult and uncomfortable to start a conversation. But connecting and sharing worries and thoughts can help people to get through distressing times and see problems in a different way."

LISTEN

LISTEN was developed in 2013 by service users, clinicians and carers in East Suffolk to help those working with people in distress and as a way to reach out to those experiencing suicidal thoughts.

LISTEN provides a step-by-step process to help to connect with someone in distress. Just by reaching out and listening, we can make a real difference.

LISTEN stands for: 

• Listen and look
• Involve and inform
• Share understanding
• Time and tone
• Empathise, encourage and evaluate
• Next steps in treatment

Download the Listen Poster

If you are affected by suicide thoughts or have lost a loved one to suicide, please reach out for support:

• If you live in Suffolk or Norfolk and need urgent mental health help, call 111 and choose the Mental Health option. 
• The Samaritans call 116 123. Both services are available 24 hours 7 days a week.  
• You can also download the Stay Alive app on Apple & Android.