North-east organisations have come together to urge anyone having suicidal thoughts to reach out for help and for those worried about someone to act.
SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health), NHS Grampian Public Health and Police Scotland made the plea as concerns grow about the impact of the last two years on people’s mental health.
The organisations have just launched a new joint guide designed to help anyone worried someone they know is suicidal – from how to ask the question, to how to get them the right support.
Liam Yule, suicide prevention manager and north-east suicide prevention lead at SAMH, said: “It has been an incredibly challenging couple of years and everyone has seen their ‘normal’ routine significantly impacted. It’s vitally important that we continue the conversation about suicide and suicide prevention.
“We’re working together as we believe this, alongside increased community engagement and training, will help encourage people to be more open about suicide, building suicide safer communities throughout the region.
“With the new guide added to the Prevent Suicide App we’re building up a comprehensive source of useful tips and hints and ways to start a conversation about suicide, alongside information on some of the fantastic local services available to support those with thoughts of suicide.”
As part of the focus on suicide prevention, police officers in the north-east have received additional training on factors that may point to a person being at a higher risk of attempting suicide. This will assist officer to help the person get the right local support.
For information on suicide prevention or to download the Prevent Suicide app and access the new guide, visit Prevent Suicide Northeast Scotland
