Someone dies by suicide in the North-east of Scotland every four to five days. We also know that one in five people will think about suicide in their lifetime.
It can be easy to feel powerless in the face of this, but at SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health) we know that there is hope, especially when people join together for support.
Wednesday 10 September marks World Suicide Prevention Day. Of course, this work is important year-round, but World Suicide Prevention Day is a prime opportunity to show your support, inform yourself and others, and potentially save a life.
SAMH’s North East Suicide Prevention team has already reached thousands of people across Grampian with free training, events and resources on how to help themselves and others.
The positive reception to our work in the North East so far shows that attitudes are changing. The local community and business sectors recognise the importance of the suicide prevention effort but are not always sure how they can help.
There are still some myths that act as barriers to change, but the truth is that open conversations about suicide reduce risk. Understandably, these conversations can be tough but the power of staying informed, choosing language carefully, and listening with kindness and compassion should not be underestimated; it really does save lives.
Justine Dunbar, Suicide Prevention Community Engagement Officer at SAMH
So how can you get involved in Aberdeen City this World Suicide Prevention Day?
- Do you have a space that can be lit up yellow and orange to show your support?
- Can you donate advertising space for suicide prevention messaging in posters or vinyls?
- Do you have a meeting room or community space to offer suicide prevention training to your community or business?
- Would you like the North East Suicide Prevention team to host a talk or Q & A?
- Would you like a stock of suicide prevention materials?
North East Suicide Prevention sessions last a maximum of two hours and can take place in person or online. The team also offers shorter ‘lunch and learn’ style sessions to suit your workforce or community needs.
Of course, suicide prevention does not begin and end with one session but it can be the start of a conversation and consideration of what you can do to make your community safer from suicide. You and your colleagues, friends and wider communities have a vital role to play.
The team are always exploring new ways to get suicide prevention messages across. Get in touch at northeastsuicideprevention@samh.org.uk to arrange a training session, request resources, or find out more about supporting the work.
For local support information, resources and tips on how to help someone download the Prevent Suicide North East app for free. https://www.preventsuicideapp.com/
Samaritans is available 24/7 free of charge on 116 123 for anyone in distress, including having thoughts of suicide. If you are worried that you or someone else can’t keep themselves safe seek immediate help by calling 999 or going to A and E.