Soaps can play an incredibly powerful role in increasing people’s awareness and understanding of difficult issues.
Viewers will see the devastating impact of suicide and the effect that it has on families – it’s never the case that others would be better off without you.
By illustrating the dangers of staying silent when it feels like life’s challenges are overwhelming, we hope others who are struggling will be encouraged to reach out for support.
And, if viewers are worried about someone else, we hope it will inspire them to be brave and open up a conversation.
Help and support are available for anyone affected by, or who can relate to, the Coronation Street storyline involving the death of Aidan Connor.
Those in need of help are advised to talk to a friend, family member, GP, counsellor or one of the many helplines available.
Edward Kunonga, Chair of the Tees Suicide Prevention Taskforce, said: “Suicides are not inevitable, in most cases they can be prevented.
“Each suicide is a tragic and avoidable loss.
“Factors that lead to suicide are complex but nonetheless preventable.
“Preventing suicides requires multi-agency action as well as efforts at an individual, family, community and local authority level.”
Support Services:
Samaritans:
Phone: 116 123 (24-hour helpline)
Address: 147 Borough Road, Middlesbrough, Cleveland. TS1 3AT
Opening times: Thursday 2pm-6pm, Saturday & Sunday 2pm-8pm
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Write to: Freepost, PO Box 9090, Stirling, FK8 2SA
Ring NHS 111 for urgent access to services - 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
http://supportaftersuicide.org.uk
Papyrus:
Phone: 0800 068 4141 (free from landlines 10am-10pm weekdays, 2pm-10pm weekends and 2pm-5pm Bank Holidays)
Text: 07786 209697
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
papyrus-uk.org
Cruse Bereavement Support:
Helpline: 0808 808 1677
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
cruse.org.uk
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM):
Helpline: 0800 585858 (free from landlines 5pm-midnight daily)
thecalmzone.net
