Campaign's simple message to try and save a life

Mick Rowe (left) became a suicide prevention campaigner after her brother James Tyrrell took his own life in 1996

A suicide prevention campaign has launched an initiative which its founder hopes will help people to understand that "a simple text could save a life".

South Yorkshire community interest company Suicide Sucks is aiming to get people to ask "Have you got eight minutes?" to those who may need urgent support.

The organisation was founded by Mick Rowe, from Penistone, whose brother took his own life in 1996.

Ms Rowe said: "Within the time that you're on that call, which is never just eight minutes, you can take somebody from that feeling of not wanting to be here to gently reminding them that there are things to stay for."

She said that the inspiration for the campaign came from American author Simon Sinek, who said he devised the "eight minutes" code with one of his friends.

"It can't be misconstrued, you can immediately drop everything you're doing and get in touch with that person," said Ms Rowe.

'A sensitive side'

Ms Rowe was aged 22 when her brother, James Tyrrell, died aged 27.

She said that she did not start to properly process her grief and anger until she was in her forties.

She said her brother was a "big prankster" when the pair were growing up.

"You hear it so often, but he was the life and soul of the party, he always seemed bubbly - but deep down there was a sensitive side to him which found things difficult.

"I don't think that he would've spoken to anyone about it, he would have seen it as very weak and he wouldn't have wanted people to think that he couldn't cope."

Ms Rowe (left) said she hoped the slogan would be adopted by mental health charities and institutions

Although there was more openness and understanding about suicide, there were still barriers to getting people talking, she said.

"You're never going to get away from that fact that it makes people uncomfortable, people hear that word and don't know what to say - but you don't have to know."

Ms Rowe said she hoped the campaign could be adopted by mental health charities and institutions, and is now fundraising to produce a short film to promote the slogan.

"I want this to be something that happens before somebody makes that horrendous decision," she added.

Belinda Merrison, Samaritans' Yorkshire and Humber region director, said: "While progress is being made in reducing the stigma around suicide, it can still stop people from reaching out when they need to most.

"Any campaign that aims to help could make a life-saving difference.

"Suicide is preventable and everyone has a role to play. Last week's ONS data shows suicide rates in Yorkshire and Humberside have increased more than any other region, so it's vital people know that support is available if they're struggling."

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