A self-help group to support people affected by suicide in St Helens, Halton and Warrington will launch this Spring.

Research shows that more than 50 local people lost their lives through suicide during 2009 and 2010 and the group will help support people who are affected by the loss of a loved one in this way. It is a partnership between the NHS, the Health Improvement Team and the charity 'Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SoBS).'

The group will meet monthly for practical and emotional support. In the next few weeks, volunteers will be identified and trained to run the group. If anyone is interested in this opportunity, contact Andrew Perkins, Health Improvement Specialist on 01744 457297 or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   

Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide nationally offer a confidential telephone helpline, support information, help by email and residential events. Further details can be found on their website www.uk-sobs.org.uk

If you have suicidal thoughts, contact your GP as soon as you can. Your GP will be able to give you details of local support and information. If your GP surgery is closed, you will be given the details of an out of hours doctor.  You can also ring the Samaritans 24 hours a day on 08457 90 90 90. Details of other helplines can be found at http://www.rethink.org/living_with_mental_illness/coping_in_a_crisis/crisis_and_emotional.html

People with experience of trauma services are being asked to be a part of a review of St Helens and Knowsley's Hospitals Trust Trauma Services.

Trauma includes limb fractures, amputation, head injuries and abdominal/chest injuries. The review will take place between 9.30am-12.30pm and 2-5pm at Whiston Hospital on 26 January.

For more details, contact Angela Haines of Merseyside and Cheshire Clinical Network on 0151 201 4150 x6207, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

For more information, download the flyer below.  Trauma review (1.67 MB)

A consultation event is being held in Widnes to see what patients think should be the important principles and values of good care from doctors. The event has been organised by Halton LINk together with Halton Disability Partnership and St Helens LINk.

The General Medical Council (GMC) is currently consulting on the guidance for doctors which sets out what is expected of all doctors registered with the GMC. This guidance applies across the UK to

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St Helens LINk is holding an event to tell people about our work, and to celebrate Burns Night and Chinese New Year.

The event will be a chance to learn about what LINk does, what its transition to HealthWatch will mean and also take part in health sessions and find out about services locally. It will take place between 10pm - 4pm on 25 January 2012 at St Helens Parish Church Hall, St Helens. As this day will also be Burns Night and the start of the Chinese New Year, there will also be food, music and entertainment on a Scottish and Chinese theme. 

For more information, download the flyer below or contact LINk on 01744 457119 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  

 25 Jan event (704 kB)