No One Should be Afraid to Ask For Help

No One Should be Afraid to Ask For Help

Hi I’m Rachael Musgrave and I’m proud to have joined Wigan Council as the new Director of Public Health.

The past few years has seen public health hitting the headlines every day as the world has had to deal with the unprecedented Covid-19 pandemic. The hard work, kindness and resilience of our communities, public services, schools and businesses to protect us all, in an unpredictable and challenging situation, has been incredible. I couldn’t be happier to be part of a creative and compassionate community committed to improving the health of everyone in Wigan borough.

We enter September marking Month of Hope; a time when we encourage everyone to have open and honest conversations about mental wellbeing and suicide.

It has been an incredibly difficult few years for us all, whether it has been coping with major changes to the way we live, work and socialise as a result of Covid-19 pandemic, dealing with the loss of loved ones or feeling anxious about the cost of living. There couldn’t be a more important time for us all to have someone to talk to, to reflect on our own wellbeing and to ensure suicide never seems like the only option.

Month of Hope bridges Suicide Prevention Day on September 10 and Mental Health Awareness Day on October 10 and we aim to bring the issue of suicide out of the dark and break the stigma that surrounds it. Research shows that talking honestly about suicide helps save lives.

The month is also an opportunity for us all to reflect on our own mental wellbeing while we also reach out to others to offer them an ear to listen or a shoulder to lean on. There are lots of local community groups where you can find support if you, or someone you know, needs it. This includes our community link workers, healthy routes advisors, the Armed forces Hub, the Complete Kindness Café and the Wigan Warriors Community Foundation. We will be sharing details of what help is available and where throughout the month.

Mental health is a key part of our health and wellbeing and as I begin a new chapter at Wigan Council, I look forward to seeing everyone embrace Month of Hope and the importance of speaking openly about mental wellbeing.

No one should be afraid to ask for help. If you need to speak to someone, contact Samaritans – open 24 hours – by phoning 116 123.

Keep updated with the latest activity across the Month of Hope by following Wigan Council on social media. You can find out more about suicide prevention and the support available at Help for suicidal thoughts. 

You can also take part in Save a Life online training (external link).