In a bid to reduce the number of male suicide rates across the borough, St Helens Council’s Healthy Living Team were on hand in St Helens town centre on Saturday to reassure men that ‘It’s Okay to Talk.’
Ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day, members of the Healthy Living team set out a stall with other council services and partner organisations in Church Square on Saturday to showcase their services and offer advice and support to improve people’s health and wellbeing.
The event – which was be opened by the Mayor and Mayoress of St Helens – will mark the start of a months’ worth of activities leading up to World Mental Health Day on Tuesday 10 October.
St Helens Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, Councillor Gill Neal, said: “In St Helens between 2014 and 2016, 85 per cent of deaths by suicide and undetermined injury involved men.
“Reaching out to people who are going through a difficult time or have become disconnected from others can be a game changer.
“That’s why we’re reinforcing the message that ‘It’s Okay to Talk’ – because talking about any hidden anxieties can make all the difference to achieving a healthier state of mind.
Photos – Snappy John
Hi I had my photo taken on that day is there any chance you know who took it xx
Hi Samantha, The photos we were given were from a chap called John. He only gave us these ones. I believe there may have been an official Council photographer about that day as well taking photos, but I dont know who that is. Sorry.