INSPIRATIONAL mental health messages have appeared across the town urging people to not take their own lives.
Hannah White, 27, and Kirsty Sedgbeer, 30, both from Taunton, were inspired by a Scotland group called Project Tag.
The idea was to post personal and kind notes around locations that were well-frequented by the town's most vulnerable people.
SUPPORT: Hannah and Kirsty taking part in Race for Life
The Taunton pair were inspired by the idea and set out to produce their own notes in the county town.
Ms White's own struggles with mental health also compelled her to want to help others.
She said: "My friend Kirsty Sedgbeer and I did it based on a few things.
"Mainly being I have mental health issues and a lot of people we know are suffering to the point of crisis.
"The idea that someone may be feeling down enough to take their own life only to be confronted with love and kindness with these tags, it could maybe change their mind or help them see things differently, that's a wonderful concept.
"We noticed Samaritans signs on the bridges but personally making them and putting them up, I would hope would give more of a personal feel to messages on them."
One of the inspirational messages left in Taunton
So fair around 30 signs have been put up around the town, focusing on areas such as the Obridge, the multi-storey car park and motorway bridges.
They both feel passionately that mental health services across the UK are severely under-funded.
Ms Sedgbeer said: "We were lying awake at night chatting about the funding for mental health, and Hannah mentioned the group she'd seen, so we used our insomnia to get planning.
"The following day we were out putting the signs out."
Ms White added: "If anything I hope it just gets people talking about mental health. It could lessen the taboo about it and get people involved in supporting one another."
One of the notes being put up in Taunton
Bob Cornes, director of the Taunton Samaritans, said the Project Tag messages are a great way to remind those who are struggling with their mental health that they are loved.
He said: "For a long time Samaritans has put up notices with our contact details on railway bridges, flyovers and landmarks where in the past people have taken their own life.
"It is really important for everyone to know that there is always someone to talk to, even at the darkest moments.
"I welcome what Project Tags is doing. For those in despair, they reinforce the fact that someone cares about them and the messages give a very personal touch. That may be just enough to interrupt their thoughts and reach out for help."
Anyone can call Samaritans for free on 116123, at any time of the day or night and they will be there to listen. For more information visit samaritans.org/branches/samaritans-taunton-and-somerset.
Mind in Taunton and West Somerset’s helpline can be reached from Tuesday - Sunday, 8pm -11pm on 01823 276 892. For more information visit mindtws.org.uk
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