A CUMBRIAN suicide prevention charity received recognition from the High Sheriff for its work to reduce 'stubbornly high' death rates. 

Vicki Boggon and Paul Ward from Every Life Matters accepted the High Sheriff's Award at Appleby Hub.

The Cumbrian High Sheriff Samantha Scott gives the award to prominent third sector organisations in the county that have best served their communities.

Every Life Matters' mission is to reduce suicide rates in the county and encourage societal change when talking about suicide and mental health. 

Cumbria has a suicide rate that is 50 per cent higher than the England average and Barrow and Copeland have the fifth and sixth highest suicide rates by district in the country, according to the charity. 

Ms Scott said: "It was a privilege to meet Every Life Matters during my year as High Sheriff and learn about the incredible work they do to promote suicide safer communities within Cumbria.  In a county with double the national average rate of suicide encouraging open conversations and a greater awareness within schools and offering help and support to those affected by suicide is so important and I was delighted to be able to recognise and thank Every Life Matters for all that they do by presenting Vicki and Paul with the High Sheriff Award."

READ MORE: Every Life Matters encourages people to be 'helpfully nosey'

Ms Boggon is as a suicide bereavement support worker at the charity.

She said: "It was amazing to be part of such a variety of third sector organisations who had been recognised by the High Sheriff in this way. Such a great opportunity to talk with others to strengthen what we have to offer Cumbria. 

“For me, this award puts suicide prevention on the map within Cumbria.  It shows that we are striving to bring down our stubbornly high rates of suicide within our county and it has given us the chance to look at how we can work together with other organisations in a more joined up and stronger way to give support to those that need it and equip our communities with the skills needed to become suicide safer."

High Sheriffs are independent non-political Royal appointees who are in their post for a year, and are often involved in encouraging the local voluntary sector, emergency services and crime prevention agencies. It is a position that dates back to the Saxons. 

If you are having thoughts of suicide support is available at:

  • North Cumbria NHS Universal Mental Health Crisis Line 0800 652 2865 open 24 hrs a day/7 days a week
  • South Cumbria NHS Urgent Mental Health Support Line 0800 953 0110 open 24 hrs a day/7 days a week
  • Samaritans – Call 116 123 – There round the clock, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
  • PAPYRUS – Call 0800 068 41 41 – 9am to midnight. Support line for young people at risk of suicide.
  • CALM – Call 0800 58 58 58. Men’s Helpline open 5pm – Midnight
  • Shout Crisis Text Service – Text Shout to 85258 to get 24/7 text support