Suicide Prevention Week
Local people are being urged to Talk About It as part of a national drive to help those at risk of suicide.
To mark the Suicide Prevention Week which runs from 5 to 9 September, North Ayrshire Council has embarked on an awareness-raising campaign to promote the message: Choose Life. Don't hide it – Talk about it.
Just recognising the signs that someone may be contemplating suicide, asking the question and being prepared to listen could help to save a life.
In conjunction with neighbouring authorities in East and South Ayrshire, the Council will distribute thousands of pocket cards and leaflets giving simple tips on how to pick up on the signs of suicide and how to intervene at places such as libraries, doctor's surgeries and public offices.
Since 2002, the rate of suicide in Scotland has fallen by 14% although there is still more to do to prevent more families being touched by this tragedy. Last year, some 46 people across Ayrshire died as a result of suicide.
North Ayrshire Council employs a Choose Life co-ordinator to deliver training to support and encourage individuals, communities and organisations to talk, listen and learn to recognise the signs of someone in distress and be able to intervene.
The Council's spokesperson for Community Services, Councillor Peter McNamara, explained: "Across Ayrshire there have been huge efforts to provide training and raise awareness of the signs that someone is at risk of suicide and give people around them the skills and confidence to intervene.
"Since 2004, more than 1,000 people from workplaces, voluntary organisations and local communities have attended training programmes in Ayrshire but it is important that we continue this work to raise awareness that just asking the question could help to save a life."
If you are feeling suicidal or suspect that someone you know is considering suicide, contact:
Breathing Space 0800 83 85 87
Samaritans 08457 90 90 90
Childline 0800 1111
Copeline 0800 056 8181
For those affected by suicide, a local support group - Touched by Suicide - helps to put families in touch with others who are bereaved by suicide and find support and self help in re-building their lives. The group meets in Kilbirnie, Kilmarnock and Ayr and can be contacted on 01294 229087.
For more information or to download copies of the pockets card and leaflet, visit the Choose Life website www.suicide-prevention.org.uk/