“What we’re hoping for is a change in people” – Mental health charities raise awareness of Salford suicide rates

Two Salford based charities have partnered up to raise awareness of the suicide rates in Salford as concerns grow over the cost of living. 

Salford charity, Loaves and Fishes and mental health charity, Start Inspiring Minds, hosted a suicide prevention session in honour of men’s mental health awareness month this November.

Project Manager and Start Inspiring Minds worker, Dennis Baldwin, said: “What we’re hoping for is a change in people, so to do away with the stigma towards suicide and people, talking about suicide, and being able to open up when you’re experiencing those thoughts.

“Sadly, there is a lot of stigma, it all hangs around those conversations and it makes it more difficult for people to reach out when they are in need.”

Because of the cost of living crisis, Salford will see a lot of people struggle with their mental health. Salford is one of the most deprived areas in the UK which is why centres such as Salford Loaves and Fishes feels it’s more important than ever to offer mental health support.

Salford Loaves and Fishes Chief Executive, Jenny Smith, said: “The problem is with the current cost of living crisis it’s coming at people from all angles, with the rising food, fuel, gas and electrics, rent you name it it’s literally there’s no sort of area that they’re not being affected.

“At the moment we have at least 120 people a day coming into our centre for support, and with days like this we’re bringing in something a little bit different. Whilst talking about a really important subject. It’s really important to bring that to our community.”

The mental health charity, Start Inspiring Minds, are commissioned by the Integrated Care Partnership for Greater Manchester. each year, Start Inspiring Minds delivers assertive outreach where they identify their target audience for support, such as the people of Salford.

Mr Baldwin said: “Regardless of what time of year it is, or what year it is, there’s always a risk of suicide for people and I think it’s just making sure that people have that support, we just see more and more stress being put on people and in terms of, whether to heat or eat.”

Salford Loaves and Fishes have an open-door policy and are based at Paddington Close, Langworthy M6 5PL.

Ms Smith said: “We’re open 9-2pm Monday to Friday it’s a public place, anybody can just walk through the door, and we can help them with any needs that they have.”