Suicide Prevention Week

West Dunbartonshire residents urged to look out for each other 

By Democrat reporter

Residents in West Dunbartonshire are being encouraged to look out for each other and seek help during Suicide Prevention Week.

This year’s campaign, which runs between 9 and 15 September, has a theme of ‘Working Together to Prevent Suicide’ and encourages people to talk about mental health and well-being openly, and share information about agencies that can offer support.

Last year 12 people, seven males and five females, took their own lives in West Dunbartonshire, leaving a lasting impact on families, friends and the community.

The Council is urging residents to take all signs of distress seriously, even if the person seems to be living a normal life. It calls on residents to assure people that asking a person about what’s troubling them can make a positive difference.

During Suicide Prevention Week a range of information stalls and talks will be available including:

• Monday 9^th September: SafeTALK – Suicide Prevention Training for Family Nurses, Work Connect and DACA ancillary staff
• NHS GGC Healthy Minds Resources will be presented in secondary schools during lunch at Our Lady and Saint Patrick’s, St Peter the Apostle, Clydebank High School, and Choices School in Jamestown
• Wednesday 11^th September: A stall at West College Scotland Clydebank with the animations on show during the week.
• ‘On Edge’ Self Harm resources, with a lesson plan and video, and a Positive Mental Attitudes Pack are available on Education’s Our Cloud and via the See Me website.
• NHS Health Scotland Posters will be displayed across NHS and Council venues.

Allan MacLeod, Chair of West Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “Suicide Prevention Week is a chance to highlight the many supports we have in place to offer help to anyone who needs it. I would encourage people to visit the many outlets we have over the coming week to familiarise themselves with the warning signs which they may notice in someone’s behaviour and seek help.”

Councillor Karen Conaghan, Convener of Educational Services, said:  “While it is encouraging the number of suicides have reduced in West Dunbartonshire by 41% over the last 15 years, we must do everything we can to support anyone displaying worrying behaviour. We must get the message out that help is readily available to anyone who is dealing with suicidal thoughts regardless of the time of day- help is there for them.”

If you are feeling suicidal, or are worried that someone close to you is at risk, phone one of the following helplines Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87, The Samaritans is 116 123 or childline on 0800 11 11.