NEWS RELEASES
Samaritans help Horsham pub staff spot potential suicide signs
29th August 2007
AN IDEA is being tried out in Horsham, West Sussex to see if pub staff can help identify potentially suicidal customers.
Whilst not many pub goers are likely to be prone to suicide or self harm, Horsham and Crawley Samaritans says there is a strong link between alcoholism and suicide and that pubs are likely to be the type of places where such potentially suicidal behaviour can be spotted.
Linking with the Horsham District Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership’s ‘Pubwatch’ scheme in Horsham, both organisations have begun training staff in 38 of the town’s pubs about the warning signs to look out for in their customers.
Pubs will carry posters and staff will carry information cards which point to free help from the Samaritans.
Speaking about the reasons for the new initiative, Shirley Gardner, Director of Horsham and Crawley Samaritans, said:
“There is a strong link between alcoholism and suicide as alcohol dependence is often associated with problems such as marriage break up, loss of job and the severing of family ties.
“This dependence can spiral going on to effect other areas of a person’s life causing feelings that things are out of control often resulting in social isolation.
“Loss of self esteem leading to depression can also predispose to suicide.
“Excessive alcohol intake shortly before a suicide attempt is extremely common, especially amongst alcoholics, and is known to increase dangerous or high risk behaviour in the population generally.
‘There are many factors involved but those particularly vulnerable to alcoholism include the unemployed and those with borderline personality disorders.
“Signs of stress such as increased alcohol consumption, anger and mood changes can be indicators that someone is finding life difficult and in some people this results in them withdrawing into themselves.”
Speaking from a community safety perspective, Cllr Andrew Baldwin, Cabinet Member for Housing and Community Support at Horsham District Council, added:
“Pubwatch is a nationally recognised scheme supported by Sussex Police and other members of the Horsham District Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership. The scheme exists as a means for pubs and clubs to share information about badly behaved or dangerous customers.
“We are now looking to broaden the remit of staff involved in Pubwatch in Horsham to help look out for potentially suicidal customers and point them to the Samaritans for help.
“If the initiative works, we will see if it can be extended to other traders selling alcohol.”
The Horsham & Crawley Samaritans is extremely active and last year alone answered 13,822 telephone calls and responded to 686 emails.
If anyone feels they need to contact the Samaritans then ring 01403 276276. Calls are answered 24 hours a day, 365 days a year or email jo@samaritans.org.
Alternatively, callers are welcome to visit the Samaritans at 21 Denne Road, Horsham or visit online at www.samaritans.org/horshamandcrawley
For more information about Pubwatch contact the Horsham District Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership on 01403 215124 or email community.safety@horsham.gov.uk
Ends
This news release has been issued by Horsham District Council as a member of the Horsham District Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership.
The Horsham District Crime Disorder Reduction Partnership is a statutory partnership of Horsham District Council, West Sussex County Council, Sussex Police, Sussex Police Authority, West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service and West Sussex Primary Care Trust.
The Partnership is charged with reducing levels of crime and disorder in the Horsham District through sustainable solutions; by working with other key public, private and voluntary agencies and the community.
CONTACT: Richard Morris, Communications Manager
Email: richard.morris@horsham.gov.uk