Looking out for those at risk of suicide – fitness centre proves eager to do its bit
Staff at a fitness centre have taken part in suicide prevention workshop after hooking up with a charity dedicated to helping the vulnerable.
Hammersmith Fitness and Squash Centre were inspired to take part by the sobering findings about the borough of Hammersmith and Fulham having one of the highest suicide rates in London.
The training was facilitated by The Listening Place, a charity which offers compassionate, non-judgemental, face-to-face advice to people having suicidal thoughts.
Participants were given information on how to handle situations where they might need to support someone in distress.
Hammersmith Fitness Centre, in Chalk Hill Road, is run by charitable social enterprise GLL under the ‘Better’ brand. Supporting local communities is an important part of the organisation’s ethos.
Ben Lett, GLL’s community sports manager in the region, attended the workshop. He said: “It was surprising to hear how many people had been affected by suicide in their life.
“The course tutors made you realise how many people do have suicidal thoughts and how people can hide them from close friends and family. They also put on various role-plays, showing different ways to interact, talk, advise and provide ongoing support to those who may need it.
“All of which was very interesting and useful, I believe it gave myself and other attendees confidence to approach and help someone if they appeared in distress.”
Find out more about The Listening Place at – www.listeningplace.org.uk
Picture: freepic.com
