As part of the Start a Conversation campaign, we have a number of resources that can help to spread the word and raise awareness of mental health and suicide prevention throughout communities across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

Below, you can find all of our resources and a form to request physical copies of certain resources.

If you would like any physical copies of our resources, complete the request form and we will then review your request. If it is suitable we will post out the requested resources so you can distribute them within your community.

These videos have been recorded by members of our local suicide lived experience network. They aim to share personal experiences and help you, or someone you are supporting, to find and keep hope when it seems difficult.

These social media toolkits are created linked to specific awareness days to help you easily join in and spread the word. You can download, copy and paste or tweak messages to suit your audience.

These drip mats promote the Start a Conversation website and highlight statistics, signs and symptoms and conversation tips for both mental health and suicide prevention.

Talking openly about mental health and suicide helps to reduce the stigma which prevents so many people from seeking help. If you suspect someone isn't feeling ok, ask them. By starting a conversation, you could change or save their life.

We know that talking to someone about mental health, suicide or self-harm can feel awkward and uncomfortable, so on these resources you will find some tips to help you start a conversation and make your way safely through. There are also some suggested conversation statements to help you along the way.

In the resources you will have seen some of our suggested conversation statements, but here are some more to help:

Start a conversation

• "What's been happening with you lately?"
• "Tell me how you've been feeling?"
• "Things are difficult for you at the moment – would you like to talk about it?"
• "I'm feeling low at the moment. What about you?"

Listen

• "I appreciate that must be difficult for you."
• "I can see how that would be hard to deal with".
• "You are not alone in how you are feeling".
• "It's ok to talk about how you are feeling".

Encourage

• "Do you think you need some extra help?"
• "What support would be best for you?"
• "Have you got any help in the past?"
• "I know of this local service…would you like me to share the details?"
• "Can I do anything to help?"

Check-in

• "When can we chat again?"

For more tips on listening effectively take a look at the Samaritans SHUSH tips below.

These posters outline what the Start a Conversation campaign is and what you can expect to find on our website, as well as encouraging people to join us by signing the pledge or becoming a champion.

These leaflets raise awareness of the Start a Conversation campaign, as well as of mental health and suicide prevention more generally. They also highlight things to look out for.

This wallet card offers pocket sized advice around suicide prevention. If you're in need of extra support, help with identifying the signs of suicide or tips on how to Start a Conversation, this resource may help.

How we talk about suicide can have a big impact on how people feel about it and helping to prevent it. Use this suicide safer language document to help raise awareness and educate people about language that will support open and honest conversations and maybe help to save lives.

Complete this request form to have our resources sent to your door.

The NHS, through their Better Health: Every Mind Matters campaign, also make additional resources, like social media assets, digital screens, posters, conversation starters, tips to improve your mental wellbeing and more available. You can access them below.