It’s World Suicide Prevention Day - and "We're here to help"

It’s World Suicide Prevention Day - and one local business owner has an important message for Oldhamers.

Carlo DePetrillo doesn’t just spend his days cutting hair at his barbershop (Carlo’s Barbers) in Royton.

He’s also there to talk as an advocate for suicide prevention.

Part of The Lions Barber Collective - a collection of barbers who have come together to help raise awareness for the prevention of suicide - it was when the country came out of lockdown earlier this year that Carlo really started to notice the pressures his clients were facing.

He said: “Pressures at home, pressures of not being able to go out, pressures of not being able to earn money, it can affect people.

"I want people to know that we’re there to help."

With lockdown over the pressures of daily life have not gone away, with more and more people accessing support for their mental health, Carlo wants Oldhamers to know he’s still there to help anyone who needs it.

He added: “I feel really privileged that someone will actually tell me their problems.

"It means massively they trust you, and what more do you want?”

Carlo’s not alone in his efforts to help people through their tough times, as there’s help for whoever needs it from support services right here in Oldham.

Oldham Council Cabinet member for Health and Social Care Zahid Chauhan said: “I know how much of a toll the pandemic has taken on people’s mental health.

"Even though we’re no longer in a lockdown and we can thankfully see our friends and family again, mental health issues do not just go away.

“I want people to know that there’s support for you and you’re not alone.

"If you need help or just somebody to talk to there’s trained professionals who are there to help.”

For professional mental health support in Oldham, you can contact:

Healthy Minds - They offer services such as counselling, group support and other talking therapies.

You can self-refer on their website: www.penninecare.nhs.uk/healthymindsoldham or call: 0161 716 2777

TOG Mind - Tameside Oldham and Glossop Mind is a leading mental health charity that offers various types of support to manage your mental health.

They are doing a range of events today, you can see here for more details.

Turning Point - For support with drug or alcohol use call: 0300 555 0234 or visit: www.wellbeing.turning-point.co.uk

If you’re feeling suicidal, you can ring The Samaritans for free on 116 123.

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