AN app has been launched to support people in crisis and at risk of suicide.

The app, Stay Alive, which has been developed by charity Grassroots for Cheshire and Merseyside, was launched on Time to Talk Day, Thursday, February 7 aimed at encouraging people to talk about mental health issues.

St Helens has the highest rate of suicide in England and Wales. The issue is a particularly problem among men.

The app is aimed at people who are either having suicidal thoughts or if they are concerned about someone else who may be considering suicide.

Key features include:

  • finding help from local crisis services,
  • quick access to UK national crisis support helplines, a safety plan that can be filled out and used if a person is in a crisis and needs to keep safe
  • a LifeBox to which the user can upload photos from their phone reminding them of their reasons to stay alive
  • Strategies for staying safe from suicide
  • How to help a person thinking about suicide
  • Suicide myth-busting
  • Research-based reasons for living
  • Suicide bereavement resources

The Stay Alive free app is available for iOS and Android devices and will be targeted at those more difficult to engage in traditional services, such as men.

It gives self-management support for those who are vulnerable to, experiencing or recovering from a crisis.

Sue Forster, St Helens Council’s director of public health, said: “I am pleased to see the launch of this important resource.

"Our vision as a Board is for Cheshire and Merseyside to be a region where suicide is eliminated, which supports people at a time of personal crisis and builds individual and community resilience for improved lives.

"This app will go some way towards helping us achieve that vision.”

The app is not a substitute for professional services but provides individuals with a tool to be able to support themselves.

Find out more at no-more.co.uk