Russ Kirby proudly carried the Baton of Hope through his home town in Lincolnshire last September when he joined the nationwide campaign for suicide awareness. The 64 year old, who served in the Royal Navy, carried the Olympic torch-style baton as it visited 20 areas of England and Northern Ireland as a symbol to encourage people to speak about their mental health.
It was an honour to carry the baton through the town
Russ Kirby
The tour, which was devised by two fathers who lost their sons, was launched to strengthen the case for resources for suicide prevention, to improve guidelines and services, and unite affected families. “The aim was to highlight the fact that suicide is preventable,” said Russ. “Our small town has been affected by the suicide of military veterans, and it is heartbreaking”.
Blesma is committed to improving mental health services and was awarded an Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust grant for a two-year programme to train staff in suicide awareness in a bespoke project which started last autumn.
“The training will help our staff be better equipped in suicide prevention so that they will feel more confident supporting our Members and their families,” said Colin Branch, Blesma’s Head of Welfare Support and Designated Safeguarding Lead. “It is about taking positive action so that our Members feel listened to.”
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