Zip-lining across the Tyne for suicide prevention and mental health
Thursday 10 October 2019
More than 90 health, care and council staff are raising money for mental health by zip-lining across the Tyne in Newcastle this Sunday.
The event is in memory of Gateshead mum Sorrelle Bamford, who tragically took her own life earlier this year, and is timed to highlight World Mental Health Day which also takes place this week.
The team aims to raise £10,000 for mental health charity Tyneside MIND, but members are also keen to raise awareness of the importance of suicide prevention work.
“Nearly 800,000 people worldwide die by suicide every year,” said Dr Mark Dornan, a Gateshead GP and Chair of NHS Newcastle Gateshead CCG. “There is much that can be done to prevent suicide, and part of that is to raise awareness of the support that is available.
“We are raising money for Tyneside MIND, which offers resources for people facing mental health issues, and we want to highlight the range of support that is available.”
Resources to help with mental health issues include:
- Information from Tyneside MIND
- World Mental Health Day resources
- NHS health and wellbeing toolkit
- NHS Your Mind Plan – to help you feel more in control and improve your wellbeing
If you are in distress, you can call the Samaritans free at any time, from any phone, on 116 123.
Sorrelle Bamford, a mum of four from Gateshead, died in April following a difficult period with mental health problems.
“Sorrelle was a wonderful lady who tragically left behind four amazing sons,” said her friend Helen Aitken, who started the event with colleagues at NHS Newcastle Gateshead CCG.
“We know only too well the impact that mental health problems can have, and we want to do Sorrelle proud as well as raise awareness about the support that is available. We want to encourage everyone to feel happy to talk to someone about their mental health.
“The response has been fantastic, with colleagues from right across the NHS and local councils – many of whom are scared of heights – pitching in to support.”
The group includes staff from Newcastle Gateshead CCG, Gateshead and Newcastle councils, Newcastle Hospitals, Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear Mental Health Trust, Gateshead Community Based Care, North East Ambulance Service and Newcastle GP Services.
Further information about the event is available from helen.aitken5@nhs.net, and donations can be made at justgiving.com.