Published on:
01
September 2011
Choose Life is using Suicide Prevention Week in Scotland (5-11 September) to encourage people in Stirling and Clackmannanshire to watch out for signs that someone they know might be feeling suicidal, invite that person to talk to them about how they are feeling and - crucially - ask them directly if they are feeling suicidal.
Practical skills courses on how to approach this sensitive subject have been arranged at Forth Valley Royal Hospital over the next few months. In addition a wide variety of information has been sent to GP surgeries, prisons, Citizens Advice Bureaux, job centres, universities, colleges and workplaces across the area.
It includes key message cards, which contain simple how-to-help steps and details of Breathing Space and Samaritans. Also freely available is 'The Art of Conversation' booklet, which gives advice on spotting signs that someone may be at risk of suicide, starting conversations, being a good listener and sources of further assistance.
Over the past five years, 52 people in Stirling and 30 in Clackmannanshire have lost their lives to suicide, leaving a lasting impact on families, friends, partners and carers. While suicide continues to affect people living in more deprived areas, and young men are particularly vulnerable, suicide is a complex issue and suicidal feelings can impact on anybody at any point in time.
Bill Miller, Service Manager for Youth Services at Stirling Council said: "It's important that if you have the slightest inclination that someone you know might be having thoughts of suicide, you ask them about it. Mentioning suicide isn't going to put the thought in their head if it wasn't there before; and if it was, they'll probably be relieved that you've mentioned it. Suicide can affect anyone and it's not a subject that should be hidden."
Jane Menzies, Service Manager Partnership and Workforce Development at Clackmannanshire Council added: "This is where we can all play a vital role by talking to each other about our problems. Talking can help a person get clarity about what it is that's troubling them, and often gives a sense of perspective. Starting a conversation is half the battle. You don't need to have an answer to their problems - just be there for them, try to listen carefully without judging, and show that you care.
"These are the first steps in developing a sense of hope, and you might have helped to prevent the immediate risk of suicide."
Since the launch of Choose Life in 2002, Scotland's suicide rate has decreased by 14%.
Training Courses at Forth Valley Royal Hospital will be held on l9/20 September, 24/25 October and 14/15 December. For more details: www.chooselife.net
Choose Life is a 10-year strategy and action plan aimed at reducing suicide in Scotland by 20% by 2013 and is implemented at national and local levels. For information on what do if you are worried someone is feeling suicidal, and to download 'The Art of Conversation', a free guide on spotting the signs, starting a conversation and being a good listener visit www.chooselife.net
If you are feeling suicidal or suspect that someone you know is considering suicide, contact Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 (24 hours) or Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87 (Mon-Thurs (6pm-2am; weekends Fri 6pm-Mon 6am).