Darlington Borough Council has partnered with If U Care Share, a suicide prevention charity, to deliver training and awareness activities across the borough over the next two years. The partnership responds to local suicide rates that are among the highest in England.
The initiative aims to build suicide-aware communities where people feel equipped to talk about suicide, offer hope and support, and encourage individuals to seek help before reaching crisis point.
What training is available
If U Care Share will provide suicide awareness and prevention training to council employees and elected members. The charity will also deliver tailored sessions for local businesses, community groups and organisations.
Free community-based training sessions are open to anyone living or working in Darlington. Sessions are planned for October and November at Firthmoor Community Centre, Morton Park, Red Hall Community Centre and The Edge Centre on Corporation Road. Bookings can be made at https://www.ifucareshare.co.uk/training/suicide-prevention-training/darlington.
Organisations wishing to arrange training for staff or volunteers should complete the enquiries form on the same webpage.
World Suicide Prevention Day activities
Support officers from If U Care Share will be at the Cornmill Shopping Centre on Friday 10 September for World Suicide Prevention Day. Shoppers can drop by for conversation about mental health, refreshments or craft activities.
Council response
Cllr Matthew Roche, cabinet member for health and housing, said: "Whilst suicide rates in Darlington are high, the numbers of lives lost to suicide remain relatively small. However, every suicide is a tragedy that has a devastating impact on families, friends and communities. The Council, and our partner organisations, are committed to addressing this issue, including creating more opportunities for early intervention."
David Brown, head of training and development at If U Care Share, said: "We are proud to be working with Darlington Borough Council to help individuals, workplaces, and communities respond confidently to those in distress. Suicide prevention is everyone's business and there is a growing need to strengthen our collective response to suicide and mental health crises."
