The poster campaign has been developed by a team of partners, including Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CFT), Cornwall Council, St Austell Brewery, the Samaritans and BBC Radio Cornwall, and will be displayed in pub toilets, GP surgeries and other public areas.
Between 60 and 70 people in Cornwall take their lives each year, with men, especially those of working age, being three times more likely to die by suicide.
Titled ‘Don’t Flush Your Life Away’, BBC Radio Cornwall asked members of the public to submit a slogan of 140 characters or less about seeking help when life gets too much.
Six slogans, from over the 100 submitted, were chosen by a panel of partner judges to be used in the poster campaign.
Suicide in men is often blamed on a reluctance to ask for help. Risk factors include a misuse of alcohol and economic pressures, with unemployment having become a more frequent antecedent of suicide. It is hoped that the poster campaign will encourage men in Cornwall to take the first steps in getting help.
Laurence Reed said: ’We hope by raising awareness for this campaign, care for mental health problems affecting this age group will be improved.’
Samaritans are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Telephone: 08457 909090 or 01872 277277.