More than 50 individuals across Cheshire and Merseyside who have been directly impacted by suicide and or self-harm will continue to help influence and shape local prevention and support services; helping to save lives.
The Cheshire and Merseyside Lived Experience Network (LEN) for suicide and self-harm prevention led by Wirral Mind on behalf of all nine local areas in Cheshire and Merseyside has been recommissioned for another 12 months.
The LEN, which officially launched in 2021 will continue to give people with lived experience of suicide and self-harm a voice, to help organisations develop effective strategies, policies and action plans, and services to offer tailored support to those who need it.
The LEN brings together people who have previously attempted suicide or who have experienced suicidal thoughts; those who have lost a loved one to suicide; people who support someone who experiences suicidal thoughts; and people who have been affected by self-harm and suicide.
LEN members have supported a variety of projects and initiatives since the Network formed including playing a prominent part in the development and launch of the Cheshire and Merseyside Suicide Prevention Strategy for 2022 to 2027, which was launched in November 2022.
Speaking about their experience of being part of the Network, a LEN member not named for confidentiality reasons, said:
“Through the LEN, I have been able to use my voice to support a variety of work around suicide and self-harm prevention. Since becoming a member of the Network, I’ve always felt that my opinions have been valued by the professionals and organisations we work with and I’m truly passionate about being able to contribute to life-saving initiatives.”
Ruth du Plessis, Director of Public Health for St Helens and Lead Director for Suicide Prevention
Ruth du Plessis, Director of Public Health for St Helens and Lead Director for Suicide Prevention, said:
“We are thankful that members of the Lived Experience Network will continue to have the opportunity to share their views and help influence and shape local prevention and support services.
“Every member of the Network has personal lived experience, insight and knowledge which helps us and partner organisations with our strategies, plans and actions across the subregion to ultimately help save lives.”
For more information about how the LEN is making a difference, click here.
If you would like to find out more about the LEN or how to join the Network click here.