Borough working together to prevent suicide

More than 300 people and 22 organisations from across Solihull have signed the Solihull Zero Suicide Pledge.

Touchwood Solihull is the latest organisation to sign the pledge which was originally launched in 2018.

It is part of Solihull Council 's action plan to reduce suicides in the borough.

The theme for this year 's World Suicide Prevention Day on Saturday 10 September is 'creating hope through action '.

Find out how to sign up to the pledge.

By signing the pledge, people are making a commitment to look after family, friends and colleagues, take part in 20-minute online training to spot the warning signs in others and signpost them to help.

Organisations are also being asked to make a commitment to look after the wellbeing of their staff and encourage their workforce to sign up to the personal pledge.

Deputy leader of Solihull Council and chair of Solihull 's Health and Wellbeing board, Councillor Karen Grinsell said: “Every life lost to suicide is heart breaking. It 's a tragedy for those that take their own life and for their family, friends, colleagues and community.

“We believe suicide is preventable and want to achieve zero suicides in Solihull. We can all play our part in making this happen by signing up to the Solihull Zero Suicide Pledge.

“The training gives some great advice on how to approach a simple conversation with someone you 're concerned about as quite often this can make a real difference. By looking out for people we are concerned about, we can show them that there is hope, that we care and that is support available. ”

Tony Elvin, general manager at Touchwood Solihull and president of Solihull Chamber, added: “Looking after the wellbeing of our employees and those that shop with us is of paramount importance.

“By signing the Solihull Zero Suicide Pledge we are making a commitment as an organisation to talk openly about suicide and help those in distress. I know it is a difficult subject to approach but talking openly about suicidal thoughts and feelings can save a life.

“We will be encouraging our employees to make their own personal pledge and take the training so that they feel confident and supported in looking after each other, their family and friends and our customers. ”

There is a list of support services on the Solihull Council website for people of all ages who may be struggling with their mental health.

Pictured: Cllr Grinsell and Tony Elvin with the pledge board