Teenage Suicide
talking about this subject has to be the best way to combat it. it's only when something or someone can connect with how you feel, that you...
Katie, 07 May 2010 16:49
Well done you probs heard this before but i know want its like that place you go you see that 1 way out this culture of shhhh and it will go...
john allen-martin, 01 May 2010 20:57
ABOUT
Teenage Suicide
Josh McAuley Solihull
'Teenage suicide is a taboo subject. We need to change that.'
My campaign
I'm running an anti-suicide campaign to create and promote support services for teenagers. I want to promote awareness of the issues surrounding suicide and create a better support system within schools. I feel that the media coverage surrounding teen suicides is often shameful, and from experience I know that the support system in place is inadequate. When someone at my school committed suicide no-one knew how to deal with it.
My Campaign highlights
- Putting a sofa in Birmingham City Centre and asking people to sit and chat
- Meeting my mentor, Jane Powell
- Getting comments from you about this campaign
- Putting on my campaign gig at Rainbow, in Birmingham with Little Palm and Scarlet Harlots
- Getting the support of band, Funeral for a Friend.
How can you help?
- Send in ideas of bands and celebrities who might want to support this campaign
- Show your support with comments here or on my Bebo page
- Tell me your stories of how you helped a friend in need
YOUR COMMENTS
AROUND THE WEB
-
stopsuicide via Twitter:
"Recieved a really interesting message from a government minister on my campaign, trying to work out what to do next..." Twitter02 June 2009 -
Friday.., bebo-posts
"Hello All! Just a little blog to say thank you to a member of the Battlfront team who is leaving today. Caroline, who has acted as producer, camerawoman, runner, researcher and blog order-er is unfortunately leaving the project today so I j..." Bebo08 May 2009 -
Another brick in the wall..., bebo-posts
"Good Morning I am excited to tell you about a new idea we have for the campaign. We want to create a wall of rememebrance for everyone who takes their life each year. The idea is thast we will invite members of the public to put messages to..." Bebo29 April 2009 -
Fiinally, a launch date..., bebo-posts
"Its official, thw website has a launchdate. Next Friday, that is friday May 8 the website will be up! I should be able to 100% confirm the address in the next couple of days but until then sit tight and be jubilant at the fact that the webs..." Bebo28 April 2009 -
Blog from London..., bebo-posts
"Hello again! Today I am blogging from London, I have just been for a drama school audition so fingers crossed. But that isn't what I am blogging about, in fact I am here to tell you about the website. Yes, the website i have been mentioning..." Bebo15 April 2009
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I think it's really brilliant what your doing, there deffinatley should be more awareness for teenagers deffinatley.From personal experiance i think there isnt enough done for teens.If theres anything you want help with let me know.Keep up the good work :) x
Kelly Eastwood, 14 October 2009 10:08
Hi Josh, your website and campaign are fantastic. We lost our wonderful daughter Rosemary two years ago and went through all the self blame for not spotting the signs. People think that teenagers who kill themselves must have had a reason, whether it’s bullying, listening to emo music or too much time on the internet instead of real-life social interaction. There are also people who suggest that “there’s more to this than meets the eye” and hint that there must be some problems at home that drove them to suicide. I have come to believe that it is wrong to look for something or someone to blame. Like “Claire’s Story”, our Rosemary had a happy life and was a high achiever at school, and I think that was partly why she hid her depression from everyone. I look back on the devastating events and believe that she suffered from the equivalent of a heart attack, but in her brain, where the waves of blackness blotted out the people and things she loved and the fact that she was loved by so many. Her death had a profound effect on the local community and I hope it will have made others think about getting help. In the early stages of our grief, I wanted to campaign for better education regarding suicidal thoughts and was offered the opportunity to meet with Beverley Hughes, the Minister for Children at that time. I was hoping to get something included as part of PSE in schools, but I didn’t take up the offer because of toll that grief was taking at the time. There is an organisation called Papyrus, working for the prevention of young suicide. They have a telephone Hopeline 0800 068 41 41 which I think is run with help from the NHS and is staffed by trained professionals.
Dave Edwards, 04 August 2009 11:29
Hi, I admire you for what you're doing and wondered if I could help. I'm a journalist preparing a feature for the national press on young campaigners. Perhaps I could include you and help publicise your campaign. You can reach me on 07920 792 082. Thanks
Andy, 29 June 2009 16:07
i think wat ur doing is amazing keep it because ther isnt enough help out ther for people
Ami, 22 June 2009 21:04
Hiya im just wanting to say i think what you are doing is great and really good, ive been suffering depreesion the last few years now and it is hard but well done, im tryin to set up a campaign just like yours so advice would be graet if you could email me and give me a few tips at [email protected]. Im just 17 and its really shocked me how many people are commint sudicide ive tried 3 timers but ive a huge reliasation now so thanks xx sophs
Soph, 01 June 2009 13:32
Hi Josh. I just want to say that I'm really glad that someone is doing this. Like I've told you before, if I wasn't doing my campaign, I'd be doing yours! I've suffered with depression since I was 13/14 and it's horrid. I've had numerous bouts of suicidal periods where my lovely boyfriend and family have been all that has pulled me back from going 'all the way'. I've been through the whole system; counsellor, psychologist, psychiatrist, pills... I'm a self harm addict, attend regular appointments at the local hospital and am medically unfit for work due to my illness. I would love to help with your campaign in ANY way at all! My career goal (other than campaigning) is to be a psychiatric nurse. You're a great person and you are genuine - the world needs people like you. Thanks and all the luck you deserve! :)
Another Battlefronter (who wishes to stay anon.), 27 May 2009 00:22
Hello, If anyone is feeling suicidal or wants to talk about any issue regarding suicide, please contact the Samaritans on 08457 909090 or Mind on 0845 766 0163. Talking to someone who cares and understands is really important. you can also look at www.samiritans.org and www.mind.org.uk. thanks, Jo Producer, Battlefront
Jo, 18 May 2009 10:28
I am, and have been, suicidal for the past year. 6 attempts. One psychiatrist hospital. Multiple nurses, doctors, shrinks, etc etc.
anon, 18 May 2009 10:26
your doing a brilliant job. i attempted suice a number of times... i felt like i had no one to talk to. im glad that finally someone is doing something about the issue, best of luck with the campain xx
Lauren, 14 May 2009 12:32
Thanks, Josh! xxx
Jo, 11 May 2009 10:34
I like the brick idea! Go for it!
Jo, 29 April 2009 15:11
tell us all about your talk in hastings, please, Josh - you did so brilliantly and you should share your achievements with everyone. you are doing great!
Jo, 09 April 2009 10:45
I wish you every success on your mission, its very important for young adults no there is help out there for them, sadly my son hung himself just 6 years ago, its been heart wrenching as a parent and even worse watching his siblings and friends start all over again without him. He is truly missed and loved, i hope this message gives someone else strength to get help. i was told a saying on Lukes funeral day : its not the size of the dog in the fight, but the fight in the dog, god how true that is. keep strong, you are loved by more people than you realise.
A MOTHER, 08 April 2009 16:24
Hi! Well... this is the first time that I've actually looked at campaigns other than Rachel's, which I'm attached to through the work I do for her magazine, and I have to say that I think that what you are doing is fantastic! I'm from Bridgend orignially, although I don't live there any more, and what went on there last year moved me profoundly - it was horrible; speculating, and wondering, and always knowing that the next name on the news might be one of my friends... I would encourage you, if you haven't already, to get in touch with "To Write Love On Her Arms", which is an American organisation to encourage young people to speak out on these sorts of issues. Their UK contact is Olivia, [email protected], I think - although if you go to twloha.com, it should tell you. Good luck, and my thoughts are with anyone going through this kind of problem... <3 xx
Amy, 19 March 2009 11:55
hi i just wanted to say that i know how much suicide affects people because my boyfriend of 9 months commited suicide it was like the world just came crashing down on me and i decided that i couldnt live without him so i attempted to take my life the attempt didnt work as my dad found me and called an ambulance and i got to hospital and had to have my stomach pumped. only now do i reallise how stupid i was and that when i thought noone would care if i was dead or alive i was so wrong. suicide really is a hard thing to come through and more support should be offered to those who have attempted suicide and those whose friends or family have commited suicide as it really is a taboo subject. x
anonymous, 15 March 2009 17:44
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