Reach Out for Mental Health CIC

Reach Out for Mental Health (ROFMH) offers relief from suicidal thoughts and feelings through the delivery of open and non-judgemental emotional support. We aspire to a time when this service is no longer needed. For now, it will persevere to ensure no one suicidal is left in the dark. ROFMH was set up to support individuals who were feeling suicidal, overwhelmed or just wanted to speak to someone if they’d had a bad day. It is a listening service operated by volunteers fully trained in suicide prevention offering individuals a non-clinical environment to speak to someone in a confidential, non-judgemental and respectful manner.

How does your organisation contribute to preventing suicide and supporting those affected by it?

We operate 3 hubs in the community where people can come and speak to a fully trained volunteer on a one to one basis. We’re available Monday’s 4-7pm in South Ockendon, Tuesdays 6-9pm in Grays and Wednesdays 11am-2pm in Purfleet. All access to the service is made through an appointment system. Individuals can call us on 07898 220 384 or email info@reachoutfmh.co.uk. For those unable to access the hubs in the community we’re also available on the phone, via email and text. We’re available 46 hours per week. We also accept referrals from organisations such as social workers, GP’s or anyone concerned about another person.

What are your current priorities?

ROFMH provides a confidential and non-clinical opportunity for individuals to talk, trust, reflect and be heard.
ROFMH’s work concurrently has a strong focus on reducing the stigma of suicide, educate, inform and renovate beliefs and ideas about how to deal with those feeling suicidal and empower individuals to have the confidence to talk to those feeling suicidal.
ROFMH offers training to Gatekeepers- individuals who are in contact with those at high risk of suicide
ROFMH believes in empowerment and trust; supporting individuals to develop the tools and skills for their own recovery and manage possible future relapses
ROFMH supports those feeling suicidal in Essex but with increased funding, continued support from local authorities and CCG’s and partnership working with other like-minded organisations ROFMH can reach people across the Southeast and beyond
ROFMH will never charge individuals for this service.

What challenges are you currently facing?

Our challenge is opening the minds of organisations who operate in a risk averse way, which can actually be more damaging to an individual. We still have a long way to go in challenging attitudes and beliefs about how best to support someone who is suicidal. Although we have come a long way to educating people and organisations about the amazing outcomes which can be achieved through a non clinical approach and the importance of developing a truly respectful and trusting reciprocal relationship.