Former Health and Social Care Secretary, Sajid Javid, recently highlighted the importance of seeking help, particularly for men, with wide-ranging plans already underway to boost support services as well as new initiatives to reduce #suicides.
In 2021, there were over 5,000 #suicides registered in England, with #suicide being the highest cause of death in #men under the age of 50. Around three quarters of deaths from #suicides each year are #men.
The Samaritans answer a call for help every 10 seconds, and around every 90 minutes someone dies from #suicide in the UK. Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reports that the highest rates of #suicide in #men have been in mixed and white ethnic groups. Evidence also suggests ‘that for every #suicide, 135 people are directly affected‘.
#James Donaldson notes:
Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.
Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.
Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space. #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle
Order your copy of James Donaldson’s latest book,
#CelebratingYourGiftofLife:
From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy
www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com
According to #WHO, #stigma, especially surrounding #mentaldisorders and #suicide, means many people thinking of taking their own life or who have attempted #suicide are not seeking help and are therefore not getting the help they need. Therefore, anyone who needs help is being encouraged to speak to their GP or self-refer through the NHS.
The former Health and Social Care Secretary also went on to say: “We must treat suicides with the same urgency that we treat any other major killer.
“I’m determined to make a difference on this issue … and one of the ways we’ll do this is by publishing a new 10-year #SuicidePrevention Plan.”
Mr Javid discussed how it is vital that this new long-term #SuicidePrevention Plan is shaped by the views and experiences of the public, professionals and people with lived experience. He also highlighted how the government is bolstering voluntary and community #suicideprevention services through £5 million of funding in 2021 to 2022. The improvement to support services should ensure that by 2023 to 2024 ‘anyone in the country’ can dial NHS 111 to reach their local NHS #mentalhealth team and access around the clock support. This would make England one of the first countries in the world to have this offer.
New plans for the initiatives also include better aftercare services for bereaved families and ‘better use of technology’ to understand causes of #suicide.
People who have been bereaved by #suicide within their immediate family will be contacted by bereavement services proactively ‘within days’ of a referral to offer support, removing the onus from the bereaved at their time of #grief.
As well as this, the use of apps, online services and efficient data collection, will enable a better understanding of tackling complex causes of #suicide, including through the Online Safety Bill and ensuring upcoming legislation adapts to rapidly evolving challenges.
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
