The ‘Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Awareness’ project will target organisations throughout Derbyshire to increase the skills of local volunteers, specifically training people who work with children, young people and men.

The project will work with local organisations who have regular contact with the target audience including businesses, independent gyms and football clubs. 

Groups will be offered free mental health awareness and suicide prevention training and resources alongside support and advice.

The project, being led by Derbyshire County Council on behalf of Joined Up Care Derbyshire and Erewash Voluntary Action, is part of the ‘Time To Talk Derbyshire’ campaign which launched on Monday 7th February 2022.

‘Time To Talk’ was launched to raise awareness around mental health and the importance of talking about how you’re feeling, and since it’s launch over 50 local businesses and organisations have got involved, sharing messages and promoting the support on offer.

In partnership with Derbyshire County Football Association, amateur football clubs are also  involved in the project.

Ricky Stevenson, CEO of the Derbyshire County FA, said: "We’re delighted to be able to support this project and partnership as a confirmed mental health support network.

“Mental health problems are becoming increasingly common in the modern world, especially in sport, so I think it’s vital that people involved with football across Derbyshire can access support, advice, or just someone to talk to when they need it.

“As highlighted by The FA’s ‘Heads Up’ campaign, suicide is now the most likely cause of death for men under the age of 45, and with these shocking statistics people need to know that they don’t have to suffer in silence – if we can do anything to help this cause then we absolutely must.

Carol Hart, Cabinet Member for Health and Communities at Derbyshire County Council, said: “The effects of mental ill health, self-harm and suicide can be devastating.  

“Many people – friends, family, professionals, colleagues and wider society will feel the impact.

“That’s why it is so important to help tackle the causes, offer support and raise awareness.”

Increasing the confidence and skills in people volunteering and working in communities is key to supporting people’s mental health and preventing suicides. 

Stella Scott, CEO of Erewash Voluntary Action, said: “We are developing our work on enabling groups who provide opportunities for interaction with individuals in the community, to help themselves by providing access to relevant training and support to help them to have the confidence and skills to embed conversations about mental health.” 

“We hope that this project and the new funding can move to turn these statistics around, and we want to play our part in making that happen."

To sign your organisation up to the Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Awareness Project contact ellie@erewashcvs.org.uk.

If you have a story to share during Time To Talk Derbyshire then email ASCH.time2talk@derbyshire.gov.uk 

Information and advice on how to get the conversation started about mental health can be found online here: www.derbyshire.gov.uk.timetotalk