Thousands of teenagers are receiving specialist help from a local charity to try to stop more young lives from being lost to suicide.
For years, the North East has had one of the highest suicide rates in Britain, while nationally, around five young people on average take their own lives every day.
However, suicide awareness workshops are now being offered to about 4,000 Middlesbrough College students to try and “break the cycle” of suicide among young people.
Students have discussed the myths and stigmas around suicide at the group sessions, which also feature real stories of people who tragically took their own lives.
The workshops are being provided by Stockton-based Headlight Project, which offers education and training alongside counselling and therapy for those bereaved by suicide.
The charity was launched by Catherine Devereux after her husband and Teesside businessman Russ took his own life in 2018.
Claire Cantwell, counsellor and education lead at the Headlight Project said the aim of the workshops was to ensure as many families as possible never go through that same ordeal.
“Suicide claims too many lives in the North East,” said Claire.
“That has to change, and we hope our workshop will really help, as talking openly about suicide will end the taboo around it and hopefully save lives.”
Amid a significant surge in the number of young lives being lost to suicide, Catherine contacted one of her husband’s old friends Ben Robinson, Middlesbrough College’s new deputy principal and chief executive, to see what could be done to raise awareness about the help and support available to youngsters.
The college then invited the Headlight Project to provide 40 workshops throughout the autumn term.
These involve a presentation around the charity’s services alongside eye-catching statistics and case studies highlighting just how serious the problem is locally.
Students have also been given guidance on how to spot signs that someone may be struggling with suicidal thoughts along with signposting to show them where they can get help.
The response from both the college and the pupils was “phenomenal”.
“Everyone at Middlesbrough College recognised the need to do something, and there was such a forward-thinking attitude which shows just how serious and committed they are to helping end this problem,” added Claire.
“And the pupils have really been engaged with the sessions, asking brave questions and showing real compassion.
If you or someone close to you has been affected by this incident or any other, there is always someone to talk to. You can contact the Samaritans on 116123 free at any time, on any phone.
The CALM Helpline number is 0800 58 58 58, or 0808 802 58 58 in London.
“Ideally we would now like to roll these workshops out to young people across the Tees Valley, as they have given everybody hope that we can improve the outlook around suicide in the North East.”
Andrea McLoughlin, part of the Tees Suicide Prevention Taskforce, echoed the importance of such conversations and praised the charity and college for encouraging young people to be more open.
She said: “Encouraging conversations around suicide continues to be one of the most important tools in reducing deaths by suicide.
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"In Teesside, we follow many nationally observed trends for age, gender and while we have seen a steady, slow reduction in deaths by suicide in the region there is still a great deal of work to be done."
Emma Betiku Mental Health Lead and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead at Middlesbrough College added: “Suicide and mental health is a challenging subject to address, but it is important to raise awareness and educate young people, to normalise difficult emotions and to reach out for support when needed.
"Being able to remove the stigma and create safe spaces for young people will help to lead to a better understanding of mental health issues and prevention of suicide."
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