Salford charity using shopping bags to save lives
START hopes the bags will encourage people to get the help they need.
The Bags for Life are being distributed across Salford. Pic: START
Submitted by Dennis Baldwin
A local mental health charity is using reusable shopping bags to deliver an important message.
START - which is based in Salford, Greater Manchester - is delivering 'Bags for Life' to social housing tenants across the city.
The bags have suicide prevention messaging printed on them.
This is part of its multi award winning campaign 'Reach Out; Start to End Suicide'.
Dennis Baldwin, Reach Out; Start to End Suicide project manager, said: "Many of us will already be on the brink of living in poverty, which has a monumental impact on our mental health.
"These bags out in our communities are promoting that suicide isn’t the only option."
On one side of the bag is support information for those experiencing suicidal thoughts.
The other side offers advice to those who are worried about a loved one.
The idea of the bags is for recipients to reuse them, spreading a suicide prevention message across their communities.
Dennis said: "You are never alone. Speak up, reach out, help and support is just a phone call away.”
Paul Dennett, Salford City Mayor and Greater Manchester Deputy Mayor, said: "The last couple of years have been tough and have tested everyone’s mental health.
"It’s vital that we continue to raise awareness that it’s okay not to be okay and are not afraid to talk about mental health and suicide.
"Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy for all of us.”
According to data from Moody's, 46% of people living in social housing are at risk of poverty.
The Institute of Fiscal Studies has claimed benefits need to rise to twice as much as planned in 2022 in order to support the poorest in our society.
Paul said: “If people are struggling to afford food, gas and electricity, or need essential items the council’s Salford Assist team has extra funding under the Household Support Fund and people don’t need to be on benefits to qualify.
"If it’s health or mental health then please speak to your GP, talk to your friends and family or search online for mental health help in Salford.
"Just starting that conversation, reaching out for help, can be the first step on the road to recovery and healing and I hope these bags help get that going.”
If you are worried about someone or are experiencing thoughts of suicide contact:
- Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org
- Childline (0800 1111 ) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won’t show up on your phone bill.
- PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is a national charity supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.
- Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts.
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