Funding has been given to seven projects in Plymouth that are working to support people who may be struggling with their mental health, as part of the city’s approach to suicide prevention.
The innovative projects are working to bring people together, combat loneliness and improve mental health in a range of unique ways, including craft sessions with therapy animals, mountain biking trips and even roleplaying games.
£45,000 of funding from NHS England in partnership with Plymouth City Council, administered by POP, has been given out in grants to a range of organisations with the aim of improving awareness of suicide and suicide prevention, while also supporting and empowering people.
The projects aim to support priority groups who are most at risk of suicide, including children and young people, adult men, people who are neurodivergent and pregnant women and new mothers.
The projects that received funding are:
- Trail Therapy by Bikespace: Regular mountain bike rides to support participants’ physical and mental health
- Diverse Explorations by Manifest, Queer Out Loud, NeuDICE and The Crafts Workshop: A series of creative workshops for young people who are neurodivergent and identify as LGBTQIA+
- First Time Fliers by Developing Natural Arts: Creative community craft sessions for young people, care leavers, students and new parents
- Roleplaying for Resilience by Character Creations: Establishing a network of in-person and online roleplaying games to help people overcome social isolation
- Animal and Art Wellbeing Community Group by Pets and Picasso CIC: A weekly group with therapy animals and arts and craft activities for adults who are neurodiverse
- Chronic Pain Cafes by Chronic Pain Coaching: Providing peer support and giving people the skills to help self-manage chronic pain conditions
- Wellness Workshops for Pregnant Women and New Mums by Pillars of Wellness & Wellbeing: Meditation, breathwork and yoga sessions to increase resilience and promote a regulated nervous system.
Today (Tuesday 10 September) is World Suicide Prevention Day which aims to reduce stigma and encourage open conversations to prevent suicides.
Councillor Mary Aspinall, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said: “Every death by suicide is a tragic loss and has a devastating, far-reaching impact on families, friends and the wider community. We know this can be an uncomfortable and distressing topic, but it’s really important that we end the stigma and work to prevent suicides by having open conversations and creating an environment where people are supported during times of personal crisis.
“We want Plymouth to be a safe and supportive place for everyone and are pleased to be funding these innovative projects that will help people who may be struggling.”
If you need support, you can find details of the mental health support available in Plymouth at: www.plymouth.gov.uk/mental-health-support. You can also contact the Samaritans 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by calling 116 123.