Summit opens discussion on suicide prevention

Leading mental health and suicide prevention experts from across the country will speak at the first Summit That Matters To Us conference in Newcastle on Wednesday, March 26.

Liz Twist, the chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Suicide Prevention and Self-Harm, and MP for Blaydon and Consett, is among the key speakers at the summit which will be held at Newcastle Falcons’ Kingston Park stadium.

The summit is being hosted by the Chester-le-Street-based foundation If U Care Share and Newcastle United women’s skipper Amber Keegan-Stobbs, who is a patron of the suicide prevention and mental health charity, is also speaking, along with founder Matthew Smith, who will open the day-long event.

The day will feature a number of keynote speeches and discussions designed to educate, inspire and recognise the 20 years of saving lives, supporting communities, and preventing suicide undertaken by If U Care Share since it was founded. 

Organisers say the summit, which is sponsored by Key Wealth Management, will feature powerful keynotes, interactive workshops, and intimate chats, where attendees will be able to share real stories and insights into the critical work of If U Care Share and other similar charities. 

Among the speakers in the afternoon discussion on suicide prevention is Alice Hendy MBE, the founder of the R;pple charity, which has also carried out lifesaving work across the UK.

Business leaders and health professionals will be among the 100-plus guests in the Kingston Park suites to listen to expert advice, such as Alice, who set up R;pple as an online tool to reduce exposure to harmful online content following the death of her brother.  

Alice said: “As a sister bereaved by suicide, summits such as this one are so vital. Since founding R;pple, I have had the pleasure of working alongside If U Care Share and seen the amazing work they deliver.

“I know that the content involved at the summit will play a huge part in saving lives and preventing suicides.”

Liz Twist added: “As the chair of the parliamentary group for suicide prevention and self-harm, I spend a significant amount of time campaigning for change, and listening to the devastating impact suicide has on individuals and communities.

“Events like this are imperative in continuing the narrative that suicide prevention is everyone’s business. I have no doubt that people will benefit from attending.”

And Amber, who led her team to victory over Sunderland at St James’ Park on Sunday, added: “The North East holds a special place in my heart. 

“As captain of Newcastle United Women, I know the amazing communities we have but I also know first-hand the impact suicide is having on the region.

“I urge everyone to attend; this is an opportunity to take away lifesaving information.”

The Summit That Matters To Us conference starts at 10am. See here for more details.

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