Campaign Proposed to Boost Mental Health Support Awareness

An awareness campaign could be launched in Market Harborough to highlight mental health support services.

The idea has been put forward by Wendy Nimmo, whose son Alex died by suicide in 2022 at the age of 27.

She was among more than 40 representatives from the public, private, voluntary and community sectors who met to discuss working more closely together to strengthen suicide prevention in the town.

Representatives from the public, private, voluntary and community sectors met

The meeting followed earlier discussions involving Wendy and her husband Mark, Marie Connor from charity HAB Anti-Bully and Mental Health, and Cllr Phil Knowles, leader of Harborough District Council.

Wendy has suggested the campaign could involve displaying posters with support contact details across the town — including in pubs — to make help more visible and accessible.

The latest talks took place just days before a person died on the railway in Little Bowden last week.

Wendy spoke to HFM:

Alex Nimmo

Cllr Phil Knowles, who chaired the meeting, said: “Suicide and self-harm are serious issues that affect families and communities across the country, including here in Harborough. Prevention requires strong partnership working, and everyone involved has committed to ensuring people who are struggling feel supported and able to access help.

“The important thing now is to build on that commitment and make sure support is easy to find for those who need it.”

He added that council officers are now pulling together the ideas and commitments discussed into a working plan, which will help shape the next meeting in the coming weeks.

The next session is expected to be held in the evening to allow more people to attend.

Anyone who needs support can contact Samaritans free, at any time, on 116 123.