Response highlights its holistic approach to suicide prevention for World Suicide Prevention Day
Where to go for support
Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts should call 111, or text SHOUT to 85258 to speak to a professional via text message.
Our holistic approach to support
Response is Oxfordshire's largest independent mental health charity and supports up to 550 individuals experiencing critical mental illness by operating more than 200 shared, self-contained and single person houses and flats.
Our team provides a person-centred support model to help people work towards living independently and contributing positively to their community via a holistic trauma informed recovery focused approach.
On average, 19 people in the UK will take their own life each day. NHS data from this year found the number of people aged 16 to 74 reporting suicidal thoughts has almost doubled since the turn of the millennium from 3.8 per cent in 2000 to 6.7 per cent today.
Nicola Leavesley, CEO of Response and Chair of the Oxfordshire Mental Health Partnership, said suicide prevention measures go way beyond the service a person might receive in a moment of crisis.
“Suicide prevention methods are not exclusive to the moment a person is considering taking their own life – it must begin long before a person’s moment of crisis,” said Nicola.
“Strong foundations are absolutely essential to aiding a person’s recovery, which is one of our primary objectives at Response.
“We achieve this through safe housing, providing stability and a purpose to a person’s life plus opportunities to connect with others and ensuring basic needs are met. For every person experiencing mental health challenges, however severe, it is critical they can access the right support.
“Everyone matters, and it is our responsibility to ensure as many people as possible can access this support without judgement, for life if needed, and establish a purpose to their life where they can build self-esteem and self-worth.”
Working in partnership
To enhance people’s accessibility to receive the best possible support when required, Response is part of the Oxford Mental Health Partnership Group.
The group marks its 10th anniversary next month and comprises of Connection Support, Elmore Community Services, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxfordshire Mind, Response and Restore.
Nicola added:
“A collaborative approach is essential to ensuring each of our services operate to their best potential and help aid people’s recovery either in the short or long term.
“Right now, demand for the services far outweighs the resources.
“This highlights the urgent need to increase public awareness of practical suicide prevention strategies, such as active listening, reducing stigma and knowing how to support someone in distress.
“It’s also important to encourage people to use these approaches in everyday conversations, workplaces and communities."