World Suicide Prevention Day: Support, Training and Resources Across Herefordshire

World Suicide Prevention Day takes place on 10 September and organisations across Herefordshire are coming together to raise awareness, promote support services and encourage open conversations about mental health. Information, training and community activities are taking place throughout September to help people access support and build confidence in supporting others.

Partners across Herefordshire and Worcestershire have created a Mental Health Campaign Hub, bringing together local support services, resources and training opportunities in one place. The hub also features "Finding Out More" sessions highlighting the many organisations and projects available across the two counties.

Herefordshire Mind, supported by Herefordshire Council, is also launching a Beer Mat Campaign in pubs, bars and nighttime venues. The beer mats feature QR codes linking people to local support services, helping to make mental health support more visible and accessible. The campaign is accompanied by an Ask. Assess. Act. guide designed to help staff recognise and respond appropriately when someone may be experiencing emotional distress or having thoughts of suicide.

People who would like to learn more can also attend one of three fully funded Suicide Awareness and Prevention Workshops taking place at The Shell Store in Hereford. These interactive sessions are designed to help participants develop the knowledge and confidence to provide safe and meaningful suicide prevention support.

As part of World Suicide Prevention Day, residents are also encouraged to learn about the Orange Button Community Scheme. The scheme helps people identify trained members of the community who are willing to listen and signpost someone to appropriate support. You can find out more about becoming an Orange Button holder or locating support through the Orange Button Community Scheme.

Whether it's sharing information, attending training, displaying campaign materials or simply checking in with someone, small actions can make a big difference. Support is available across Herefordshire and help can be found through a range of local organisations and services.