Matt Discombe

Lincoln bars and clubs promoted their offers to the city’s new student intake on Tuesday, despite being omitted from the University of Lincoln’s official Freshers’ Fayre.

The Alternative Freshers’ Fayre, held at The Square Sail on Brayford Pool, saw thousands of students finding out about drinks offers, themed nights and events at local venues including Lola Lo, Trebles for Singles, Riley’s Sports Bar and The Ritz.

The Engine Shed, which runs the University of Lincoln’s official Freshers Fayre, has a policy of not allowing local bars and clubs to promote binge drinking on their premises.

Donna Crawford, manager of The Square Sail, said; “Local bars and clubs can advertise in official university freshers events in other cities. This is the first city I’ve been to where we’re not allowed to, so we’re making the best out of the situation.”

“It’s vital for students getting to know the city to know what offers there are and familiarise themselves. It’s also a good opportunity for local businesses to promote themselves.”

Lincoln Street Pastors and Street Wardens also attended the Alternative Freshers Fayre to advise students about staying safe whilst going out at night.

Joy Liddle, Street Pastors Co-ordinator, said; “These events are good if we can get a message across about safe, sensible drinking. Its good to get the message out that students can come here and drink in bars in safety.”

The official Freshers’ Fayre featured promotions from companies including Lidl supermarket, Lincoln Performing Arts Centre and ASDA Living.

Mike Hoyle, Technical manager of Lincoln Performing Arts Centre, said; “The Freshers Fayre is crucial for students to find out about places like ours, and our events. It’s the only time that freshers are together in one place, and they are a large target market.”

Lincolnshire Police also attended the fayre to advise students about protecting their property and preventing domestic abuse.

Head of Communications at Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust Samantha Keating (left), NHS ASIST Administrator Sue Broadbent (centre), and event organiser Rita Blackler (right)

People affected by suicide were given free guidance and support in a Lincoln church on Thursday, in an effort to promote greater awareness of the illness.

Around 60 people across Lincolnshire commit suicide each year. The county’s suicide rate, which is higher than the national average, has shown a slight decrease over recent years.

The event, organised by Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, gave information, practical support and guidance for people who have been affected by suicide.

Representatives from The Samaritans, Mental Health Lincolnshire SOS and Shine were among the charities giving advice at The New Life Conference Centre, in Newland.

The conference was held in support of National Suicide Prevention Day on Monday, September 10.

Suicide awareness trainer and event organiser, Rita Blackler, said: “We want people who are despairing and thinking about suicide to know that there is help available. Events like these are really important because we’re trying to make society more suicide aware.”

“There’s a stigma and taboo about suicide in society and we want to get more people talking about it. The more aware society is of suicide, the safer people will become.”

Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation offers services to help people overcome depression, and free courses to raise awareness of suicide.

The World Health Organisation reports approximately one million people worldwide die by suicide each year, or one death every 40 seconds.

“The aware people are, the easier it is for people to talk about their feelings. Hopefully the awareness we raise will help lower the suicide rate,” said Rita.