After last year’s successful launch, If U Care Share Foundation (IUCSF) are encouraging as many people as possible to get involved with their national campaign, Inside Out, to help them share their life saving culture changing message.
The campaign reaches a climax every year on the 10th September to coincide with worldwide suicide prevention day. With the North East having the highest suicide rate in the country, the charity knows only too well the devastating impact suicide can have on individuals and local communities.
Suicide is a major public health problem – data from the World Health Organisation indicates that there are around one million deaths by suicide each year worldwide – the equivalent of one death by suicide every 40 seconds. Inside Out is a fun way of raising awareness about a very serious issue and sparking conversations about what can be seen as societies last taboo.
IUCSF believes talking can make a difference, that suicide is preventable and in some cases, talking about your feelings can save lives. The campaign is simple, we are asking people all over the country from all walks of life, to wear at least one item of clothing ‘Inside Out’ on the 10th September, along with a sticker saying Ask me why? So let‘s start the conversation and reveal what’s “Inside Out”. The concept is simple but the effect could be profound. Shirley Smith explains “The more people who are aware of the issue, the more lives we can save.”
Notable supporters of the campaign include the Charity’s Ambassador, Micah Richards and Middlesbrough Football Club’s captain, Grant Leadbitter and Scarlett Moffatt local star of Gogglebox. Last year’s launch gathered the support of Alexander Armstrong and Ruby Wax.
The campaign is not just an annual event, for IUCSF it’s a daily challenge. Suicide affects people’s lives every day and when somebody takes their own life those around them are never the same; their lives are turned “Inside Out”. We are hoping that the conversation started by this campaign will be the beginning of a much larger conversation that sees lives changed for the better. Explaining the reasoning behind the campaign Shirley describes how “Suicide devastates families and far too many young men and women are taking their lives.
The subject of suicide can be uncomfortable to talk about – this is why we launched our Inside Out campaign.” Shirley co-founder at IUSCF knows only too well of the affect suicide has on people after the loss of her son, Daniel, aged 19. She describes how her life was turned ‘Inside out forever’.
For more details on how to get involved, visit our website ifucareshare.co.uk or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.
