SUICIDE PREVENTION SIGNS INSTALLED AT ST JOHN’S WOOD IN RYDE

Signs have been installed at the entrance to St John’s Wood in Ryde this week in a bid to prevent suicide, as part of Men Only IOW’s Suicide Prevention Initiative.

The installation on Tuesday – International Men’s Day – marked an essential first step in a broader campaign to promote mental health awareness and provide immediate support for individuals in crisis.

The signs, designed with input from mental health professionals and community organisations, aim to connect individuals to local and national resources, such as the Samaritans and other helplines.

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Strategically positioned at the eastern entrance to St. Johns Wood, they served as a visible reminder that help was always available and that no one had to face their struggles alone.

Karl Hart, Managing Director of Men Only IOW, a key partner in the initiative, commented:

“Installing these signs was a tangible step in our ongoing mission to support mental health and prevent suicide across the Isle of Wight. We hoped they would offer a lifeline to anyone feeling overwhelmed, reminding them that there was always someone ready to listen and help.”

Councillor Michael Lilley, whose ward St. Johns Wood is in, has said:

“The Isle of Wight has an above average, in fact, high male suicide rate, particularly in Ryde. This includes young and old men who are so severely depressed taking their lives is the only solution.

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“Men are 4 times more likely to commit suicide than women and 4 times less likely to seek help. As a community, we must get a strong message out there that there is help, hope and support.

“Men Only IW is pioneering support for men experiencing loneliness, anxiety and depression and saves lives. These friendly signs in places such as St. John’s Wood in my ward give hope at a moment of despair”.