Taking that first step can be very difficult but it is worth taking – for you, your family and friends.
7th to 12th September is Suicide Prevention Week
East Lothian Integration Joint Board Chair Councillor Fiona O’Donnell says:
‘Public Health Scotland is launching their new “United to prevent suicide” campaign today on World Suicide Prevention Day. They want to get people to join the conversation and make Scotland into the most supportive country in the world. They are inviting people to sign up to pledge their support for this. In return, they will get a pack that includes resources that will help them to talk and listen with confidence to people who are feeling suicidal. I know this is something that people really worry about. I think the pack will be a real help to people who need help to support a loved one, friend or work mate. You can find out more about this at https://unitedtopreventsuicide.org.uk
‘I think many more people are struggling with mental health at the moment. The impact of COVID has affected so much – work, home life and relationships. In East Lothian, we have developed a range of services to support people when they are finding it hard to keep going. Services like our Mental Health phone line and 1St Response can make a real difference. We are also glad that we have such good support from Third Sector partners like Changes, Stepping Out, Penumbra and EastSpace.
‘Taking that first step can be very difficult but it is worth taking – for you, your family and friends. If you are feeling suicidal or supporting someone who is, there is help available – please get in touch with one of our local services or with a national one like Breathing Space or the Samaritans. You will find local and national contact information at the foot of this article.
‘Things are difficult just now and people are under lots of extra pressure. Let’s all do our best by supporting the “United to prevent suicide” campaign and using the services out there – they are all there to listen and help.’
Sources of help and advice
- East Lothian CWIC Mental Health phone line
- 1st Response
- EastSpace (online guide to all mental health and wellbeing support in East Lothian)
- Samaritans
- Breathing Space
- NHS 24
- SAMH