Violet Project - Suicide and Self-Harm support

"No matter how much someone provokes you, you are responsible for your behavior.”

Disengage, refuse to discuss, back off, leave the room, ignore.

Do whatever it takes whenever someone is poking you with a stick. Remind yourself that it is their problem.

Talk yourself down. Leaving is always preferable to fighting and arguing.

Please don't let them drag you down to their level."

- Illustration : Elesq

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Here is your Tuesday reminder that you are not alone.

Don’t bottle everything up - just like a bottle of fizzy pop , you eventually burst .

Speak to someone you know or if you want, try a service that is here to support. So many wonderful text lines or phone services.

Give it a try.

Huge thank you to Kim and the team at Microlise for their donation to Violet Project CIO to help us purchase the items for our su***de bereavement pack. We use these packs as part of our family liaison work across the Midlands area.

An extra huge thank you to Kim for fundraising at her dance group and requesting donations of items like toiletries that can also be used to support our core services . It really is a community effort to keep people safe from su***de and we thank you for your support!

🎗️World Su***de Prevention Day 🎗️

You will see many statistics used today in posts designed to get your attention around su***de.

Our founder Melanie Griffin asks us all to remember:

“Statistics are a great way to show the impact of su***de. However, it is important to remember that behind every statistic is a personal tragedy with devastated families and friends left behind.

It’s a person who is struggling with their own mental wellbeing with feelings of pain and loss. These people need us to offer help to fill their life with purpose, love and support.

Statistics are HOPE for a better future”

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💜Reminder💜

One of our main services is supporting around su***de loss - our Coventry bereavement group is on tomorrow at 7pm.

Whether you come regularly, occasionally or it’s your first time - you will be welcome.

Our service has no time limit on accessing support, no limit on how long ago you were bereaved or who you lost (can be personally or professionally) you are welcome.

If it is your first time you will need to contact us to obtain the group location address, so please send us a message.

(Please remember any library books you may have borrowed and finished with)

6.50pm arrival for a 7pm start 💜

Supporting in our local community is really important to us . We support across the Midlands and today we were in supporting Warwickshire Police at their family fun day !

Not every area we support in is a commissioned service area but our services are needed and that’s where fundraising really helps because it helps us to continue to deliver lifesaving services !

Lots of local support and a really well organised event !

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It is safer to ask about su***de than not to ask about su***de.

Research shows that it is not dangerous to ask, in fact the opposite- it creates an open and safe space for HOPE.

If the answer is yes, the person with thoughts of su***de can be supported. If the answer is no, no harm has been done. If anything changes they know you are a safe person to talk to.

People often find great relief in being able to openly talk about their thoughts and feelings about su***de.

How would you ask the question ? Comment below !

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Looking for a reason to stay alive ? We can give you 100 💜

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZGewKbY3G/

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TikTok · Violet Project CIO Check out Violet Project CIO’s post.

Do you know what changes people?
Pain

In every person's life there's some sort of pain that made them the way they are. It just changes everything inside them, they wake up one day, totally different people..

And in the end, they're never the same!

We need to make sure we support where we can 💜

There are many services around to support - whether it’s for bereavement, relationships,financial or more. Take a look at www.violetproject.co.uk and the help now section for support services.

Any suggestion of suicidal thoughts should be take seriously.

Talking openly about su***de to a loved one, colleague or professional can help someone work through their thoughts and help them find a way to cope. People who say they want to end their lives should always be taken seriously.

It may well be that they want attention in the sense of calling out for help and helping them get support may save their life. Being able to talk openly about su***de can help someone work through their thoughts.

Support services can be found online at www.violetproject.co.uk under our Help section.

As we head into September, you will see many posts around World Su***de Prevention Day on 10th September.

One thing , if only the only thing you take away from today is your choice of language when talking about su***de. And here is a quick 'why' ..

Stigma: a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person.

Su***de, sadly, remains stigmatized. It is a challenging topic. The mere mention of the word can make people feel uncomfortable, unsure. I see people 'withdraw' when I talk about su***de.

When an individual dies by su***de, the family and friends go through what are often considered, “unspeakable” feelings. Guilt, shame, and the inability to answer all of the unanswerable questions fill the heart.

Su***de remains difficult to understand and frightening to talk about. When something remains a societal stigma, it can create an extra layer to the already heart-wrenching pain of grief.

Removing the word “committed” and replacing it with “died by” is terminology that serves to remove the stigma.

The history of su***de is such that it was considered a crime prior to 1961. the same as committed a murder", "committed a crime" And although it is no longer, the attachment of that shameful resides. It isn't helpful to those bereaved and if can cause a barrier to those thinking of su***de in seeking support.

We know there is no single cause of su***de. It most often occurs when stressors become greater than current coping abilities of someone suffering from a mental health condition and can no longer clearly see their way to any other answer.

While some find the change in language a mere attempt at political correctness, it is about helping to prevent further su***des and compassion for those bereaved.

So remember, how about trying

*Died by su***de
*Ended their life
*Su***ded
*Took their own life
*Killed themselves

Or simply
*They died !

Words matter. People matter.

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Over 200 young people die by su***de every year. Su***de statistics are always hard to see. We also know behind every statistic there is a human with dreams and plans. Su***de is more than statistics, it’s loved ones , it’s our children peers and there are thousands of individuals affected by su***de loss.

Help us to be there to support.

Think about joining our training, to learn more about su***de 💡
Think about us with your fundraising activities 💰
Think about coming along to a support session. 💜

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SANDWELL FUNDED SU***DE PREVENTION TRAINING

Are you a professional who works with victims, perpetrators, or families affected by domestic abuse within ?

Violet Project CIO are pleased to be able to offer some half-day training sessions to professionals working within domestic abuse to understand the links and support around su***de.

Each in-person session will deliver a wealth of information. The session will last 3.5 to 4 hours and aims to increase your knowledge to support someone with thoughts of su***de.

We have spread the sessions across the Sandwell borough and you are welcome to attend any one of the sessions.

You can book your space on the training here : https://www.tickettailor.com/events/violetprojectcio

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New figures show that su***de rates in England and Wales have reached their highest levels in over 20 years. In 2023 alone, over 6,000 lives were lost to su***de.

The official figures, highlighted by the Samaritans in an article in showed 6,069 su***des were registered in the two nations in 2023, up from 5,642 in 2022 and the highest rate since 1999. Three-quarters of the deaths were males, but the female su***de rate reached its highest level since 1994, according to the annual ONS figures. This is also excluding Scotland or Northern Ireland so the figures will be higher than that.

These numbers are not just statistics, these are someones loved ones, colleagues, neighbours or friends. They are a stark reminder that we urgently need to prioritise su***de prevention to avoid it being someone you love.

We believe every life matters - YOU MATTER .

Many su***des are preventable, but it requires real commitment and action. We support the Samaritans in their call on the government and decision-makers to treat su***de as a public health emergency and to invest in comprehensive su***de prevention strategies.

📱 Get urgent help on the free, confidential 24/7 text messaging service for anyone in the UK: Text SHOUT to 85258.

🧠 Our Su***de Awareness Training is available for businesses, councils, youth groups and the education sector. Together, we can create safe environments where everyone feels supported and heard.

❤️ We run free groups specifically for those bereaved by su***de.

💰We welcome fundraising to help us save lives. Please do consider us for birthdays, memorials/In lieu of flowers or any fundraising events etc. We are registered on FB , Just giving etc. Every penny helps!

👉 Join us in our mission. Learn more about our training and how you can make a difference: www.Violetproject.co.uk

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Su***de was decriminalised under the 'Su***de Act 1961'

It decriminalised the act of su***de in England and Wales so that those who attempted tokill themselves would no longer be prosecuted.

Northern Ireland followed in 1966, and it's never been a criminal act in Scotland!

In other parts of the world it is still a crime.

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If you need mental health support in the UK, you can call the NHS helpline by dialling 111 and then selecting option 2. This will connect you to a mental health professional who can provide assistance. The service is available 24/7 and is designed to offer immediate support, advice, and guidance for mental health concerns.

Please ensure you're in a safe space when you make the call, and don't hesitate to reach out for help💜

There are also other services available to support you during your time of need - whether it’s physical or mental health you are never alone 💜

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Sad to see our services are needed within our local community.

Sharing for those who may wish to access some su***de bereavement support 💜

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Good luck to everyone today who is getting their exam results.

I hope you get what you want and are able to move forward with your chosen choices for A-levels or career path.

Please do remember exams test your memory, they don’t measure your worth and define what you have to offer.

They don’t measure your kindness,your humour, how much you are loved or the difference you can make in life through kindness.

You can achieve great things in life when you set your mind to it, with or without too grades.

Always try your best and your best will always be good enough. 💜

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Here is your midweek reminder!

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Part of our charity aims is to support the development and improvements to mental health and wellbeing.

Following approval by Coventry University Research Ethics Committee this project is an online interview to explore parents’ experiences of coming to the realisation that their child has engaged in self-harm behaviour.

If you would be willing to help with research please consider completing an online interview. The interview should take approximately 60 to 90 minutes and can be conducted at a convenient time and date to be arranged.

All answers and results from the research will be anonymous so participants will not be identifiable in the reporting of the results. Research data will be securely stored in line with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). A summary of the results will be sent to participants following their participation if they wish.

All details including contact details for the study are in below graphic.

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Here is another week of ‘busyness’ at HQ ! Meetings, family liaison, grief counselling and self-harm support discussions !

We have however programmed in a weekend of ‘nothingness’ for this bank holiday!!

Let’s get through the week !

What are your plans to look forward to and to get through the week ?

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1 DAY UNTIL WARWICKSHIRE PRIDE 2024

Join us TOMORROW at the Pump Room Gardens in Leamington Spa from 11 am.

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Good luck to all those collecting their results this week!

You haven't had it the easiest with covid, teacher strikes, teacher shortage and every funding cut possible happen. While some kids will be celebrating, there are others for whom this will not feel like such a happy day.

So this is a gentle reminder to young people and parents alike, that your results DO NOT define your future and there's . You'll find your direction,on your own journey in your own time and in your own way.

There are many young people who are sadly no longer here to experience their journey.Make the most of your amazing journey and try to remember exams can be retaken, life can't!

Whatever your results, be proud of what you've achieved. Your path is only just beginning.

If you need some support, or someone to talk to never be afraid to call or text a support service- details can be found on www.Violetproject.co.uk

We are proud of you!

One of our main services is supporting around su***de loss - our Coventry bereavement group is on tomorrow at 7pm.

Whether you come regularly, occasionally or it’s your first time - you will be welcome.

Our service has no time limit on accessing support, no limit on how long ago you were bereaved or who you lost (can be personally or professionally) you are welcome.

If it is your first time you will need to contact us to obtain the group location address, so please send us a message.

(Please remember any library books you may have borrowed and finished with)

6.50pm arrival for a 7pm start 💜

Pop down and say hi !

We can’t wait for Stafford Pride today, we will be selling our usual range of hats, and we have a few surprises planned for you! Come and check us out and help us raise awareness of Violet Project - Su***de and Self-Harm support a charity that’s very close to our heart ❤️

They say you should walk a mile in someone’s shoes, but I’ve found it’s better to just walk a mile next to them.

Because you shouldn’t have to go through something yourself in order to care about it happening to someone else.

You shouldn’t have to know that exact pain to show concern or compassion for theirs.

And because you should recognize that you are seeing but a tiny part of the overall picture—much of it may be outside your ability to truly empathise with.

Here’s the thing, though—you can still be a good friend. You can still help.

Simply by acknowledging that what they are going through is so hard. Simply by being there for them.

And you can choose to trust their experience of the hard thing, instead of trying to imagine yourself in it.

Sometimes we don’t need someone to put themselves in our place.

We just need someone to hold our hand and walk alongside us.

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We will be there - pop along and have a great day with lots of community activities!

📆 Don't forget! One of our 50th-anniversary open days is at Woodgate Valley Fire Station, this Sunday (11 August) 11am to 3pm! 🚒

Our open days are free to attend. Click for details.
🔗 https://www.wmfs.net/events/open-day-at-woodgate-valley-fire-station-wmfs-50th-anniversary-celebration/