THURROCK Council supported last week's World Suicide Prevention Day (Thursday, 10 September) by lighting up the Thameside Complex in green to raise awareness of suicide prevention and encourage people to talk openly about mental health.

The initiative formed part of the Let's Talk About Suicide Essex campaign, led by NHS Essex and delivered in partnership with Thurrock and Brentwood Mind and organisations across Essex.

The campaign aims to raise awareness of available support and equip people with the confidence to have potentially life-saving conversations.

The Thameside Complex will join landmarks across Essex that are being illuminated green as a sign of remembrance for lives lost to suicide and a reminder to those that are struggling that support is available and that they are not alone.

Residents can complete free online suicide awareness training available through the Let's Talk About Suicide Essex website. The training takes around 20 minutes to complete and teaches the simple See, Say, Signpost approach, helping people recognise when someone may be struggling, start a supportive conversation and direct them to appropriate help.

Cllr Rob Willoughby, cabinet member for Adult Health and Housing Services, said: "World Suicide Prevention Day provided an opportunity for us to come together as a community, remember those who have lost their lives to suicide and show support for anyone who may be struggling.

"A simple conversation can make a real difference. It's important that we all look out for one another and know where to turn for support. I would really encourage residents to take a few minutes to complete the free suicide awareness training and learn how to recognise the signs that someone may need help."

Residents can complete the free suicide awareness training and find out more about suicide prevention support by visiting: www.letstalkaboutsuicide.co.uk.

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If you or someone you know needs urgent mental health support, help is available:

• Call NHS 111 and select the mental health option.
• In an emergency, call 999.
• Samaritans is available 24 hours a day on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org