Local people and organisations are being encouraged to sign the ‘Solihull Zero Suicide Pledge’ as part of Solihull Council’s action plan to reduce suicides in the borough.

The pledge launches on Monday 10 September, in line with World Suicide Prevention Day, and is all about removing the stigma associate with talking about mental health and encouraging each other to check in on our friends, family and colleagues.

Residents are invited to attend the launch at 10am, which will be hosted by Councillor Karen Grinsell, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health.

A suicide awareness walk supported by the Cameron Grant Memorial Trust will leave The Core Theatre at 10.30am, and go to Brueton and Malvern Parks. A second walk will leave Marston Green Library at 2.30pm and will last 30 minutes, before returning to the library.

Dr Richard Mendelsohn, Chief Medical Officer of NHS Birmingham and Solihull CCG said: “As suicide rates in the West Midlands rose in 2017, it's key that we talk about the issues surrounding mental health.

“People who are living with mental health issues need to know where they can go to get help and advice, and bereaved families should be made aware of how to access the support they may need.

“As an organisation, we are committed to reducing the number of suicides, by telling local citizens about the services available in Birmingham and Solihull."

To reserve your place on the walk, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

You can sign the Solihull Zero Suicide Pledge here.