Suicide Prevention

Staff at Sunderland Care and Support have played a vital role in the support they’ve provided during encounters with people in desperate situations where there is a risk of suicide. Recently there was a situation which was skilfully handled by members of Telecare Response.

On Thursday 5th, whilst travelling after attending a visit, Jacky King and Wendy Russell spotted a girl climbing Sunderland town bridge with the intention of jumping off. Wendy approached the girl and managed to pull her back over the railings and console her until the police were contacted and arrived. The girl was then entrusted to the police to contact her family.

Situations like these have already discussed amongst the team, over the many years of working night shifts the team have come across many situations, speaking about how to deal with these situations and have always agreed that staff safety is the most important part. In some instances, staff just making the call to the police is enough contribution to helping someone. Staff shouldn’t put themselves in a situation where they would be at risk. Regardless staff at Sunderland Care and Support are very good at risk assessing, even when dealing with the public.