Breaking the silence on suicide
Tuesday, August 28 2007
Suicide Prevention Week (SPW), 10-17 September, will be marked in the Scottish Borders with a range of activities to help encourage people to break the silence that surrounds suicide.
It is well known that many Scots find it difficult to talk about the problems and challenges they face in their lives. This can lead to problems getting worse and people’s overall health and mental health deteriorating. Some feel so bad that they begin to think of taking their own lives.
Choose Life, the national strategy and action plan to reduce suicide in Scotland, is calling for Scots to lift the lid on their emotions and be more open about their and others’ feelings in a bid to improve the nation’s mental health and help prevent suicide.
There is a myth that talking about suicide makes the problem worse, not better, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Having the courage to speak out about our emotions, and also having the ability to listen to and empathise with those seeking support, could help save a life.
Haylis Mackay, Choose Life Development Officer for Scottish Borders said: “Every day around two people die by suicide in Scotland. However, most people who attempt suicide do not want to die; they want to end the pain they are suffering. By encouraging people the Borders to break the silence that surrounds suicide, we are confident that more lives can be saved and suicide will cease to be the last taboo.”
To raise awareness locally and support this year’s SPW theme – Talking and Listening can Save Lives – Choose Life will be working with a range of organisations, community groups and individuals throughout Scottish Borders to help raise awareness of the issue. Planned activities include:
- Monday 10 September, 11 a.m: Service for those touched by suicide in the Chaplaincy Centre, Borders General Hospital, Melrose
- Monday 10 September, 2 p.m: Screening of the Flying Scotsman in the Pavilion Cinema, Galashiels followed by discussion. Entry is by ticket only available free from Haylis Mackay, Choose Life Development Officer, Tel: 01835 825080 or online
- Thursday 13 September: safeTALK suicide awareness training for sixth year pupils from Borders secondary schools.
- Also, Stop the Pain sessions providing confidential support for those who self harm or have been affected by self harm are being held in the Abbey Row Community Centre, Kelso 6 p.m – 7p.m on 13 September, and at the Community Project, Burnfoot, Hawick 5.30p.m – 7 p.m on 26 September and 10 Sime Place Galashiels 5.30 – 7p.m on 20 September.
More information on how to help someone who is feeling suicidal and details of what is happening during SPW is available from www.chooselife.net and further support is available from Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87 (6p.m-2a.m) or the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90.
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