A CAMPAIGNING father whose son took his own life has told a conference in York of his fight to educate young people about suicide.

Father-of-six Dennis Graham spoke at the York Suicide Prevention conference yesterday, talking about the impact his son’s death had on the family and their decision to share their experiences with other people.

Dennis, who now speaks at schools with his daughters, told the conference how his teenage son Matthew’s behaviour had changed before he took his own life in 2010, but they believed people who told them he was just a “stereotypical teenager”.

Now he believes there were signs that Matthew’s friends and family could have spotted and acted upon, which would have meant his son might still be alive today.

“Matt was talking in a language we did not understand," Dennis added.

“Matt wanted to end his pain, not to end his life, and with the correct help he could still be here,” he added.

“Suicide is a moment of despair that robs you of a life of opportunity. It has brought unbelievable sadness to our family that will never heal.”

The family now urge young people to remember the acronym “ACT” if they are worried about a friend’s changed behaviour - Acknowledge their pain and understand their suffering; Care enough to do what they can to help; and Tell a trusted adult, parent or a professional.

He added: “We can help a young person at risk of suicide just by speaking about suicide.”

The charity Papyrus helped support Dennis and his family after Matt’s death, and it was with its support Dennis went on to train in suicide awareness and now speaks to young people in schools. With his daughters, he has now spoken to around 3,500 young people. The conference also heard from North Yorkshire Police’s mental health lead Inspector Bill Scott, who said it was untrue to say suicides are unpreventable.

Many people who have felt suicidal speak of “waiting for someone to intervene”, he said.

If you are feeling suicidal, please T A L K

Tell someone what you are thinking and how you are feeling

Ask for their help, or seek help

Listen to their advice or advice from others

Know who to call in a crisis and keep the number with you at all times

Seek help or support with any problems

  • Ring 111 to access mental health services – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
  • Contact your general practitioner (GP).  If you do not have a GP or do not know your GP's telephone number contact 111 
  • Phone the Samaritans 24 hour helpline on 116 123 for confidential non-judgmental emotional support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which may lead to suicide.   
  • The Papyrus helpline for young people, or those worried about a young person, is on 0800 068 41 41​ 10am-10pm weekdays; 2-10pm weekends, and 2-5pm bank holidays.