Here to Help, SJOG’s new initiative focused on suicide prevention among autistic people in Teesside is being launched at a press event in Middlesbrough.
Since announcement of the funding award from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), the project has been developing to be able to provide:
A web-platform which has been co-produced with autistic individuals and their supporters. This platform provides accessible information and resources about suicidality and autism. The platform will be regularly updated to address community priorities.
- An awareness roadshow using SJOG’s ‘Magic Space’ mobile sensory unit. The purpose of this is to visit communities within the Tees Valley and raise awareness of the campaign.
- Workshops to support autistic individuals with their mental health.
- Training for professionals and parents and carers on how to support autistic individuals with their mental health.
Rachael Smith, Here to Help Manager, said: “We believe that this project will reduce the stigma around suicide and empower people to feel able to support individuals experiencing suicidality. I am excited to lead on a project focused specifically in Teesside, and feel that it will add a lot of value to the local community.”
The ‘Here to Help’ project is of vital importance because autistic people are 9 times more likely to die by suicide than the general population, and autistic young people are 28 times more likely to think about or attempt suicide than their non-autistic peers. Furthermore, the Tees Valley has one of the highest prevalence rates of suicidality, demonstrating that this project is crucial for the region.
The press launch for ‘Here to Help’ coincides with the start of Carers’ Week and comes ahead of a general public launch of the ‘Here to Help’ project on the 1st of July.
Listen to Rachael’s interview with BBC Radio Tees talking about the project and launch: Gary Philipson – 05/06/2024 – BBC Sounds (from 18 minutes).