World Suicide Prevention Day, held on 10th September each year, is a vital opportunity to highlight the issue of suicide and its devastating impact on individuals, families, and communities across the globe.
In Tees Valley, where many face challenges linked to mental health, economic hardship, and social isolation, suicide prevention is a pressing concern that cannot be overlooked.
Tees Valley, like much of the North East, has been particularly affected by high rates of suicide. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the North East recorded the highest suicide rate in England in 2022, with 14.1 deaths per 100,000 people. Middlesbrough and Stockton-on-Tees have been identified as areas where the problem is acute, driven by a combination of economic struggles, mental health crises, and social deprivation. The figures, stark as they are, reflect the broader challenges faced by many in the region – but they also underscore the importance of available support services.
Thankfully, there are several local organisations committed to suicide prevention and mental health support. Teesside Mind, formerly known as Middlesbrough and Stockton Mind, is one such organisation. For over two decades, they have provided essential services, including counselling, crisis intervention, and mental health awareness programmes. Teesside Mind is a crucial resource for those in the area struggling with suicidal thoughts, offering a lifeline to people in moments of crisis. Their work also extends to suicide prevention through outreach, education, and support for individuals and families affected by suicide.
Another invaluable local organisation is The Link, a charity based in Redcar that works specifically with children and young people. They focus on early intervention and provide mental health support services designed to prevent problems from escalating. By offering counselling, therapy, and emotional support, The Link helps young people develop coping mechanisms and resilience, reducing the risk of severe mental health issues down the line.
In moments of immediate need, The Samaritans remain a vital resource. The Teesside branch, part of the national network, offers a 24/7 helpline (116 123) for anyone feeling overwhelmed or in crisis. Trained volunteers provide non-judgemental listening services for people who need to talk. They also offer face-to-face support for those who find a personal connection more helpful during difficult times.
If U Care Share, a charity born from tragedy, also plays a critical role in the Tees Valley’s suicide prevention efforts. After losing a family member to suicide, the organisation’s founders sought to prevent other families from enduring similar heartbreak. If U Care Share works across the region, providing support to those bereaved by suicide and offering workshops in schools, workplaces, and communities to raise awareness of mental health issues and suicide prevention.
In Redcar, Route 2 provides drop-in services for people in crisis, offering a safe space where individuals can receive immediate mental health support. Services like this are crucial for those who need to access help without waiting for an appointment.
For young people in the area, CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) works across the region, helping children and teenagers who are struggling with their mental health. By offering specialist support, CAMHS aims to address the unique needs of young people at risk of self-harm or suicide.
The importance of raising awareness about suicide cannot be overstated, and organisations in Tees Valley are working tirelessly to ensure that help is available when and where it’s needed most. World Suicide Prevention Day is a time to remember that, while the issue is complex, every conversation, gesture of support, or intervention could be the step that saves a life.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, it’s essential to reach out. Help is available, and no one needs to go through it alone. Whether it’s through professional services like Teesside Mind or simply a call to The Samaritans, support is always within reach.
Places to get support:
Check out our list of mental health and suicide prevention services here
- Teesside Mind (formerly Middlesbrough and Stockton Mind) – Provides mental health services, including counselling and crisis support: Teesside Mind
- The Link – A Redcar-based charity offering mental health support to children and young people: The Link
- The Samaritans (Teesside Branch) – Offers a 24/7 helpline for anyone in distress or struggling with suicidal thoughts: Samaritans Teesside
- If U Care Share Foundation – Provides suicide prevention workshops and support for those bereaved by suicide: If U Care Share
- CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) – Offers mental health services to young people across the region: NHS CAMHS Information
- Route 2 – A service offering drop-in mental health support in Redcar: Route 2