VIDEO: Could you Be the One to save a friend or loved one from suicidal thoughts, new campaign asks

Since its launch in September, the Be the One campaign has gathered more than 200,000 website hits and one million social media impressions, as well as messages from people touched by suicide, who have had suicidal thoughts or have attempted to take their own lives.

Founders Rotherham Council and Rotherham NHS Clinical Commissioning Group want to spread the even further.

The message is to encourage people to Be the One — to talk, to listen and to care.

It aims to empower Rotherham people to talk to someone they are worried about, whether it’s a stranger or someone they know, to listen to someone who is having mental health issues to help them feel less alone, and to care about those around them to prevent people from reaching the point of suicide.

Anne Marie Lubanski, the council’s lead on public health, said: “Every life lost to suicide is an individual tragedy. It also has a widespread and devastating impact on friends, family and the wider community. 

“It is heartening to see the people of Rotherham getting behind the Be the One campaign.

“We are urging people to visit the website to learn the simple steps they can take to make a difference by being the one to talk, listen and care.”

As well as highlighting warning signs, such as changing moods, altered appearance and increased alcohol or substance abuse, the Be The One website has contact details for organisations offering help.

They include Samaritans, who can be called on 116123, and Papyrus UK, which aims to reduce the number of 200 school-age children who commit suicide every year.