Suicides prevention events

Suicides prevention events 7/9/10

A number of events are taking place to mark Suicide Prevention Week.

Last year four people in the Western Isles lost their lives to suicide.

The Samaritans are launching an outreach service to Uist - the first time its service has been available there.

The issue of suicide will be debated by health professionals at events in Stornoway this evening and Benbecula tomorrow. Professor Stephen Platt, from Edinburgh University, will address the topic of socio-economic inequalities involved in suicide. The Highland User Group (HUG) based in Inverness will be talking about their personal experiences on suicide, and their recovery.

A Walk for Hope in Stornoway and Barra on Friday will mark World Suicide Prevention Day and is in the “hope” that people will be more aware of the issue of suicide and the stigma around talking about it will be lifted.

A service for those touched by suicide takes place on Thursday in the Bridge Centre, Bayhead from 1.10 to 1.50pm. A similar service starts at 7pm in St Peter’s Church, Daliburgh.

The Samaritans are holding a drop-in information evening at 7pm in their premises at 27 Bayhead, Stornoway on Friday.

Elaine Campbell, Choose Life Co-ordinator, NHS Western Isles, said: “The range of actions to prevent suicide shows how Choose Life is helping to make Western Isles a suicide-safer community. But it’s also important not to underestimate the things we can all do to help.

“Families, workplaces and individuals can all help reduce the risk of suicide in our communities by talking about suicide openly and responsibly, so that people at risk feel comfortable about asking for, and responding to, the help they need.”