"Suicide is a silent killer that we must address," insists Oldham's health lead

Oldham Council is supporting this year’s Greater Manchester Month of Hope as part of a dedicated effort to break the stigma surrounding suicide, which Oldham's health lead describes as a 'silent killer'.

Thousands of people take their own lives every year, while many more have attempted to end their life or are struggling with harmful thoughts.

According to research however, one of the biggest ways we can help to save people’s lives is by talking honestly about suicide and discussing the problems we face more openly before we feel it has become too late.

Greater Manchester’s Month of Hope, now in its fifth year, helps address these solutions by encouraging local people to play a more active role in preventing suicide through dedicated activities and events held across the city region, including Oldham.

Speaking ahead of the Month of Hope, which starts on World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10), Councillor Barbara Brownridge, Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing, said: “Suicide is a silent killer that we must address.

"Every year it takes away those we love the most, often without us ever knowing the reason why.

“It’s upsetting knowing that people find themselves in these dark places, where they don’t feel they can get through their issues or worries, to the point where taking their own life feels like the only option – but it isn’t.

“The significance of a quick chat with your friend, a family member, a work colleague, or even someone you have met in passing, is huge and it can make a real difference to whether a person wakes up the next day.

“By talking openly about how we feel, we can get the support we need to get through these hard times.

“That's why we're supporting this year’s Month of Hope to encourage more opportunities where people in Oldham can talk in a safe space and get the support they need which ultimately may save someone's life."

This year Oldham is supporting the campaign with events including a special art exhibition at Gallery Oldham and a ‘Walk of Hope’ at Alexandra Park.

Oldham Library will also be hosting a local event on Tuesday (September 10) to kick start the Month of Hope.

Here residents will be able to access and talk to various support services about their mental health and understand how they can be better supported in their daily lives.

More events will be held across Greater Manchester until October 10, when the Month of Hope ends on World Mental Health Day.

To access a full list of events, please visit: www.gmintegratedcare.org.uk/events/month-of-hope-2024

In the meantime, if you are struggling and need someone to talk to, call Samaritans's 24/7 phoneline on 116 123 and if you can’t keep yourself safe, call someone or 999 in an emergency.

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