Midlands-based mental health and well-being charity, The Kaleidoscope Plus Group, are unveiling their new, national suicide prevention text line service at an event at the Solihull Moors stadium on Damson Parkway on 10th October 2019, to coincide with World Mental Health Day.
The Kaleidoscope Plus Group’s suicide prevention text line service has been founded in memory of Solihull Moors coach, Nick Mowl, who sadly died by suicide in May 2017.
Following Nick’s death, close friend Richard Beale, then Reserves Team Manager at Birmingham City FC and now Youth Team Manager at Aston Villa FC, along with Nick’s father (John Mow) and The Kaleidoscope Plus Group have worked tirelessly to raise funds to be able to launch the new service.
Monica Shafaq, CEO of The Kaleidoscope Plus Group said: ‘We’re so proud to be launching our new suicide prevention text line service and we’re indebted to everyone who has helped and supported us, most notably via annual charity football match, the Nick Mowl Cup.’
Monica continued: ‘Talking is very important when someone finds themselves in dark place, but we find it’s the hardest hurdle to jump for many. Often people who need support are too afraid to reach out for help through fear of being judged, looked down upon and not being believed.
‘We know that a text line will go some way to removing communication barrier, and enable more people to access the help and support they need, when they need it most. Technology is increasingly used to communicate – particularly among men who are often less inclined to talk about their feelings, as well as children and young people who have been born into an age where communicating via technology is part of their daily routine.’
Twelve people die by suicide every day in the UK; it’s the biggest killer of men under the age of 45 and accounts for more deaths than road traffic accidents, HIV and assaults put together. What’s more, there has been an 83% increase in deaths by suicide for people aged 10–24 since records began in 1981.
Kaleidoscope Plus Group’s suicide prevention crisis text line will be accessible 24/7 to anyone, anywhere, including children and young people.
Monica concluded: ‘#TeamKPG are trying all we can to reach out to people in a variety of accessible and meaningful ways, in an effort to bring about real change and reduce suicide rates.
‘Suicides are preventable deaths – on average each suicide affects around 150 people, with many of those needing specialist support, as well as statistically being more likely to attempt to end their own lives too. The impact of suicide is far reaching and we hope that our new suicide prevention text line service will offer people a lifeline in their hour of need.’
Established in 1973, The Kaleidoscope Plus Group supports thousands of people each year, and offers a wide range of services for those experiencing mental health difficulties, while also working within communities to provide opportunities for anyone who’s eager to improve their personal sense of well-being.
