‘Start the conversation and simply let someone know you are there,’ councillors state
The second Festival of Hope is taking place this weekend as part of Hull City Council’s work to prevent suicide (stock photo)(Image: Getty Images)
The second Festival of Hope is taking place this weekend as part of Hull City Council’s work to prevent suicide. The event is happening across Saturday September 12 and Sunday September 13 at the Humber Wellbeing Hub in the Humber Bridge Country Park
The event will feature a wide range of activities focussed on mindfulness, relaxation, self-care and support. The varied programme includes Tai Chi, walks, hypnotherapy, meditation, art therapy and more.
Councillors hope it will break down barriers and equip people with the skills to start positive conversations. Cllr Jack Haines, Portfolio Holder for Communications and Policy Delivery, explained there was still too much stigma and silence around suicide.
He said: “All of us have the potential to help prevent suicide. It’s not about knowing the perfect thing to say; it’s about breaking down barriers, starting the conversation, and simply letting someone know you are there, and you care.
“Last year’s Festival of Hope was a really wonderful event, which brought so many people together to share really powerful messages, and also to actively engage in learning, support and reflection. Partners right across Hull and East Riding have put a prodigious amount of work into creating a truly fantastic offer again this year.”
Cllr Haines explained suicide remains the biggest killer of people aged 35-years-old and under in the UK. “Stigma and silence make it harder to reach those in crisis, but a simple conversation can genuinely save a life,” he said.
“The Festival of Hope is for everyone, whether you want to learn more about having those difficult conversations, or simply want to enjoy two days investing in your own mental and physical wellbeing”.
A new purpose-built website has been created with the support of mental health partners across both Hull and East Riding. Launched in time for World Suicide Prevention Day, it will be a permanent fixture where people can find advice, support, information on local services, and contact details.
The website includes free parenting guides, grief support, details about local events, and further advice. Hull City Council and its partners in both Hull and the East Riding joined this year’s global campaign to ‘start the conversation’ about suicide prevention. World Suicide Prevention Day took place on Thursday, September 10.
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This year’s theme was focused on encouraging people to take action if they believe someone might be experiencing suicidal thoughts. The advice is to: interrupt their thoughts, start a conversation, and potentially save their life by showing you care.
A Hull City Council spokesperson signposted links to local mental health support, including talking to a GP, contacting Hull Mind on 01482 240200, or visiting the organisation’s website.
Further help is available from NHS Hull Talking Therapies or by contacting Samaritans on 116 123 for help with suicidal thoughts, or other mental health problems.
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