News

Two TALKWORKS service users have come together to write and record a song offering hope to others experiencing mental health difficulties, as part of World Suicide Prevention Day.

The song ‘Promise’, created by TALKWORKS service users Fin and Dave, shares a powerful message that help is available and that things can get better, even during the darkest of times. By sharing their story through music, the pair hope to encourage others who may be struggling with their mental health to reach out for support and know that they are not alone.

World Suicide Prevention Day is a global awareness day dedicated to reducing stigma, encouraging conversations about suicide and raising awareness of the mental health support available. 

One of the key messages for World Suicide Prevention Day is the importance of seeking help early. At TALKWORKS, our NHS Talking Therapies service, clinicians work with thousands of adults each year who are experiencing mild to moderate common mental health difficulties such as anxiety, low mood, depression, stress and problems with sleep. The service offers a range of evidence-based treatment and self-help support, designed to help people better understand and manage their mental health. 

The messaging from TALKWORKS is not to wait until hitting ‘rock bottom’ before seeking support. Jonny Wilkins, Head of Service at TALKWORKS said: "World Suicide Prevention Day provides an opportunity to have important conversations about mental health and remind people that help is available if they are struggling. We are grateful to Fin and Dave for sharing their experiences through music. Their song is a powerful reminder that recovery is possible and that reaching out for help early can be the first step towards a brighter future. We want people to know that they do not have to struggle alone."

TALKWORKS is our free and confidential NHS Talking Therapies service. It is open to adults, age 18+, living in Devon (excluding Plymouth which is covered by Plymouth Options) who are experiencing a common mental health problem, such as low mood, stress, anxiety or sleep difficulties. You do not need to see a GP to access therapy from TALKWORKS, you can complete the online self-referral form on the TALKWORKS website or you can refer yourself over the phone by calling the team on 0300 555 3344.

If you, or someone you know, needs urgent mental health support, please call NHS 111 and select the mental health option. You will then be put through to our First Response Service, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If there is an immediate threat to life, please call 999 or attend your nearest A&E department.

The Letter of Hope and the Letter for Tomorrow, written by adults and people with learning disabilities across, are also available on our website to offer help and hope to those who are thinking about suicide. 

Other services that can help
•    Samaritans: Call 116 123 (free to call, available 24 hours a day) 
•    The Moorings: offering mental health support to anyone aged 18+ in the Devon area, in either Barnstaple, Exeter or Torquay