4 minute read
‘Make sure people are OK’
Players and staff from Northampton Town FC have taken time away from the pitch to learn about suicide prevention and how to spot the signs of those at risk.
Lisa Pearson and Andy Willis, from Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust for Suicide Prevention and Awareness Training, led the session at the Cobblers’ training ground.
The workshop kicked off with discussions about the importance of good conversations around suicide and where people can go to get help if they need it. It also looked at some of the myths surrounding suicide, as well as who might be at risk and how best to intervene.
“It has been an excellent session,” says Lisa. “They have been really engaged. We are really pleased with the opportunity and are keen to start engaging with as many community and sports clubs as we can. We know that you are more at risk of suicide if you are male so we just want people to reach out and access our free training.”
Suicide is one of the biggest killers of men, with males making up around 78 per cent of suicide deaths.
A similar session took place last year with the Cobblers’ Academy players. Now the League Two club is encouraging other sports clubs to take part in Suicide Awareness Training.
Many of Northampton Town’s first team players took part in the training. “I thought the session was good,” says winger Mitch Pinnock. “It opens everyone’s mind up really just to make sure people are OK. Even if you are worried about asking them the question because it might be a bit personal, it is going to benefit them and benefit you as well.” Andy Willis, former service user and trained peer supporter worker, shared some of his personal experiences with the players. “It has been a really positive session,” he says. “The attention of the players and the staff was magnificent and the contributions were really appreciated.
“It is such an important topic, mental health, and openly sharing and giving support particularly in the area of self-harm and suicide, while a complex topic, is one that has to be embraced.”
Support worker Andy Willis shares his experiences with the Northampton Town players
n To find out more about the suicide prevention and awareness training, contact Lisa Pearson at NHFT at lisa.pearson3@nhft.nhs. uk or on 07500 067861. For more about suicide prevention visit www. nhft.nhs.uk/suicide-prevention
Jobs programme boosts prospects for Ukrainian refugees
Refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine are a step closer to securing employment in the UK thanks to the work of a Northamptonshire charity.
Cohesive Society CIC is helping Ukrainian migrants via its new Jobs Skills programme. The training is free of charge, with participants invited to attend either in person or remotely.
Each course is ten hours long, with a certificate for participants on completion, and the scheme is now running all year round following a successful pilot scheme last year.
“This heinous war has displaced the Ukrainian community,” says Cohesive Society founder Imran Chowdhury. “So many highly educated professionals, teachers, economists and social workers with university degrees have had to flee their country and are now living in the UK without a job and this is at a time when we in the UK are facing a skills shortage.”
Cohesive Society runs community activities for marginal communities across Northamptonshire. “This programme is such a huge help for our community,” says Ukrainian Valentian Bukovska, who took part in the pilot programme.
“We all are in a stage of building our lives, which is very challenging as we find ourselves in a new country. This information and training is incredible. We are being taught about the UK system and are gaining
Cohesive Society volunteers pictured with some of the Ukrainians who took part in the Job Skills programme
confidence in professional fields and job searching.”
n To find out more visit https:// www.cohesivesociety.org/home, call 01604 312140 or email info@ cohesivesociety.org
Awards aim to honour women who inspire
Women who are the cornerstone of businesses and communities across West Northamptonshire are to be recognised in the 11th Inspirational Women Awards.
Organised by the West Northamptonshire Council Women’s Forum, the awards aim to recognise and promote women who inspire and have an impact on the lives of others in the workplace or community
The winners will be decided from public nominations in two categories: n Business Award n Community Award
Potential nominees for the Business Award could include someone who has inspired through their paid employment, an inspirational business owner or someone who has inspired a career.
Nominations close on February 6, with the finalists being announced on February 20. The awards will be presented at the International Women’s Day event at the Guildhall in Northampton on March 4, four days ahead of International Women’s Day itself.
Cllr David Smith, the council’s cabinet member for community safety and engagement, and regulatory services, said: “Here in West Northants, we are very fortunate in having so many women playing hugely important roles across our communities and workplaces and we look to this special day to appreciate their achievements and say ‘Thank you’.
“We are looking for nominations for women from all walks of life who have been inspirational in the broadest sense and would like to know how they have inspired you or others, what they have achieved, or what they have done to help your community.” n Find out more at www. westnorthants.gov.uk
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