Why Goal Zero?
There is no denying that times are tough and the many toils of everyday life are greatly affecting our mental well-being. Tragically this can be seen in the rising rate of self-harm and suicide, both locally and nationally over recent years. Extremely concerning is the increase in personal distress and suicide among the younger generation. People are struggling and desperate and the causes of suicide are complex. Unfortunately, Gwynedd is no exception with one of the highest rates of suicide across Wales, so what can we do? We need to take meaningful action and come together as a whole. Promote connection, raise awareness, and provide support underpinned with kindness and compassion.
We know that campaigning for zero suicides is an almost unachievable task but shouldn’t that be our ambition? One suicide is one too many and while we may not achieve our aim of zero, in striving for it we can hopefully save countless families and friends from needless pain and suffering.
Who is Goal Zero?
One word: Community. Goal Zero is me, you, and us, working together and supporting each other to create an empathetic community where we all feel heard, valued, and empowered to seek help. A community that encourages positive emotional well-being can help to remove the stigma of suicide by allowing us to talk openly about our struggles without the fear of judgment and shame. A more thoughtful and compassionate community can bring us a sense of belonging and reassurance that we are not alone, and provide easier access to help and early crisis intervention.
If you are feeling suicidal or know someone that is thinking of taking their own life
click the button for urgent help and emergency contacts
Get Urgent Help109 Reasons to Stay Alive
How does Goal Zero help?
Within a connected and supportive local community, we are more likely to reach out for help, so we need to spread the word and we need to do this together! By displaying a Goal Zero sticker in your window you are signaling that you are a safe judgement-free space where people are welcome and supported. We need cafes, shops, services, and community places to show their collective care and commitment to suicide prevention and positive mental well-being. Our website, which can be easily accessed by the QR code on the window sticker has emergency contact information and details of crisis support helplines. It also has guidance on how we can help someone who is in distress or feeling suicidal and how to talk about suicide and our mental health with openness and understanding. It also offers links to resources on early-prevention support, further free training on suicide awareness for individuals and businesses, and shares the lived experience stories of those affected by suicide, demonstrating that hope and healing are still possible.
Launched in the historical slate-mining town of Blaenau Ffestiniog, are you ready to become an active Nod Sero ally in our joint effort to support good mental health and suicide prevention within your local community? Tell people about Goal Zero. Display the sticker. Encourage friends to support this community action.
What’s with all the colourful circles?
Of course, the circles represent the zero in our goal but a circular shape can also stand for wholeness and connection, two defining factors of community, and what better colours to represent Goal Zero than the red of the Welsh dragon, the green of the Welsh valleys, the blue of the coastal waters and the grey of the rugged slate landscape.
Rt Hon Liz Saville Roberts MP
‘Having visited the Tan Y Maen Centre previously to learn more about their work with suicide prevention and awareness, I know how well-placed they are to develop and build upon the success of that programme. Taking mental health seriously ought to be a priority for everyone. Everything that we can do to help people reach out, so that they don’t feel that they’re on their own. That’s why I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute and support this campaign.
People find it difficult to talk about their feelings, especially if those feelings are dark and suicidal. If more of us were to start talking about our feelings, if we can get it out of being a taboo subject then hopefully it will help people express how they really feel and realise that there are positive alternatives. I am pleased to support the Goal Zero campaign and would encourage businesses, organisations, and people across Gwynedd to get on board and help spread the word about suicide prevention. Talking really does make a difference.’
Goal Zero is supported and part-funded by the following organisations, and without their help this community campaign would not be possible.
