The family of a teenage girl, who took her own life in a Clitheroe park, is demanding change and open discussion about suicide.
This September, which marks national suicide prevention month, the family of Alyssa Morris, who took her own life last year, is encouraging people in power to speak up about suicide. They are also urging parents to speak to their children, even if they seem fine.
Danny Holland, Alyssa’s uncle, described the teenager as a “funny, quirky and beautiful” girl and said they noticed no difference in Alyssa’s behaviour, in the days leading up to her death.
An inquest, which was held last year, found that Alyssa sent a message to her friends talking about her intentions the night before, but the court heard this was not taken seriously.
After her death, police found a note on her laptop, addressed to her family.
Danny said: “She was thriving at school and started taking pride in her appearance by wearing makeup and having her hair different. There was no difference in her character, in the days before her death.”
Danny said there are some things parents and families can look out for, when it comes to children’s mental health.
He said: “If you suspect mental health issues push and keep pushing, don’t stop until you are heard - and check their phones. Know exactly what your children are watching and who they are talking to.
“Speak to your child and try to understand what they are going through. If they won’t speak to you ask them to speak to someone else, whether that be a family member, neighbour, or close friend.”
Alyssa’s family has spent the last year raising funds in Alyssa’s name. So far, they have raised more than £8,000, which has gone towards the Fire and Rescue Service and suicide prevention charity Papyrus.
A total of £5,500 was raised for a cuddle blanket, used by hospitals and hospices to gently and discreetly cool a deceased infant, child, or adult to allow family to spend more time with them.
They also worked with Ric Haworth, to create a song called The Light, about giving hope to children that see no way out.
Danny wants young people to understand how “permanent and devastating” suicide is. He also wants officials to do more when it comes to raising awareness of suicide.
He said: “Young people do not understand how permanent and devastating suicide is. We need more schools [and councillors to talk about it] or at least take notice they are in a position of and can make people listen.
“The best thing to do is open up a discussion and talk about it if you have lost a child to suicide.”
Danny said the family will continue to fundraise and raise awareness in memory of Alyssa, who was from Clitheroe.
He said: “We are dedicated to raising awareness and keeping Alyssa’s name alive. It is what is keeping us going.
“I just want our young people to know there’s always a future whatever you’re going through is not the end you will always have a way out. Death is final but life is worth living - your future isn’t planned you can plan your own.”
Alyssa took her own life at Brungerley Park in Clitheroe on Sunday, February 12.
Alyssa had struggled with her mental health after starting Year 7, having self-harmed, but she was never officially diagnosed.
Her mother said Alyssa had become ‘withdrawn’ and moved schools two times before settling in and making friends at a school in Blackburn.
Her mum, Kathleen, also had concerns Alyssa may have autism and was referred for a diagnosis by her GP Dr Nigel McMeekin, but because of the way the appointment was held, Alyssa decided against continuing the sessions.
Alyssa died just five days before she turned 14, and her family held a balloon release at Clitheroe Castle to honour her birthday after her passing.
A council spokesperson said three local families are working together to set up a support group, SOBS, for families that are impacted by suicide. It will launch on October 16, at Trinity Community Hub in Clitheroe.
A spokesperson said: “The local community safety partnership (CSP), of which the borough council is a member, is supporting that campaign by helping to promote the launch event.
“The CSP recognises the need for an increased focus on suicide in the Ribble Valley and is working with partners to make people more aware of the support services that are available locally.
“It’s also part of the local youth panel which works with the police and local secondary schools to make sure that young people receive the mental health support they need.”
Anyone interested in attending should book a place in advance by visiting: www.uksobs.com.
Warning signs of suicide according to NHS
A person may be at high risk of attempting suicide if they:
- threaten to hurt or take their own life
- talk or write about death, dying or suicide
- actively look for ways to take their own life, such as stockpiling tablets
When someone is thinking about suicide, their words and actions can give you clues that they are at risk of hurting themselves.
The following can be suicide warning signs:
- Talking about suicide – Any talk about suicide, dying, or self-harm, such as “I wish I hadn’t been born,” “If I see you again…” and “I’d be better off dead.”
- Looking for a way to end their life – Searching for a method or seeking access to medicines/ other objects that could be used in a suicide attempt.
- Preoccupation with death – Unusual focus on death, dying, or violence.
- No hope for the future – Feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and being trapped. Belief that things will never get better or change.
- Self-loathing, self-hatred – Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, shame, and self-hatred. Feeling like a burden.
- Getting affairs in order – Making out a will. Giving away prized possessions. Making arrangements for family members.
- Saying goodbye – Unusual or unexpected visits or calls to family and friends. Saying goodbye to people as if they won’t be seen again.
- Withdrawing from others – Withdrawing from friends and family. Increasing social isolation. Desire to be left alone.
- Self-destructive behaviour – Increased alcohol or drug use, reckless driving, unsafe sex. Taking unnecessary risks.
- Sudden sense of calm – A sudden sense of calm and happiness after being extremely depressed can mean that the person has made a decision to attempt suicide
Helplines for suicidal thoughts
NHS
Call: 111
Samaritans
Call: 116 123
Email: jo@samaritans.org
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