Cherwell’s community wardens are capable of providing help and support to anyone experiencing a mental health crisis after completing suicide prevention training.
Trudie Rose, Helen Inskip and Yvonne Jaggs are well-known in north Oxfordshire as friendly and approachable community wardens for Cherwell District Council.
The trio are always happy to speak with the public and assist however they can while on patrols.
Recently, they completed a two-day Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training course offered by Nai’s House, a mental health charity based in Bicester that focuses on suicide prevention and holistic support.
The training equipped the wardens with the skills needed to recognise the signs of people contemplating self-harm.
They also learnt how to provide skilled intervention and develop a safety plan with the person, which can help to save their life.
Ms Rose said: "I now feel confident and empowered to ask questions and have challenging conversations with individuals about suicide.
"As community wardens, we have experienced some tricky conversations with vulnerable and mentally unwell people, and we have helped where we can but never actually asked the question of whether they are considering taking their own life.
"This has now changed. These are essential life skills we can take away."
The wardens also learnt how personal and community attitudes about suicide potentially affect an individual's willingness to seek help.
They hope that their new qualification will empower them to help break down taboos when it comes to talking about mental health.
Mr Hughes, head of regulatory services and community safety, said: "Mental health is a subject that affects everyone, and it is important to us that people aren’t afraid of challenging the taboo of talking openly about any struggles and reaching out to someone for help.
"Our community wardens are out on the streets daily and are always there to provide a safe space for anyone to reach out for a listening ear.
"They offer a critical service to our residents and communities across Cherwell.
"I am so proud of the care and compassion Trudie, Helen and Yvonne show whilst carrying out their roles.
"The dedication they show to residents and visitors across the district is inspiring.
"This is highlighted through their willingness and eagerness to undertake crucial training to ensure that they have the wellbeing of everyone at the forefront of their minds."
A range of information and help for people experiencing a mental health crisis is available on the Oxfordshire Mind website.
Anyone who feels they might attempt suicide should call 999 for urgent medical help.
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