News / Suicide prevention awareness
A ROADSHOW is set to take place across Shetland as part of this year’s Suicide Prevention Awareness Week.
Recent figures show that Shetland has the highest rate of male suicide in Scotland over the last five years.
NHS Shetland, Shetland Islands Council and local charity Mind Your Head will bring their Stop Saying I’m Fine If You’re Not roadshow to the isles between 5 and 10 September.
They will raise awareness of the issue and find out if progress has been made in recent years in Shetland.
Sessions will also take place with the local fire service that will kick off a year-long “campaign” of awareness training with crews.
On 10 September, locals will be encouraged to take part in World Suicide Prevention Day by getting involved in the Cycle Round The Globe event, which aims to see people collectively cycle the circumference of the globe (40,075 km or 24,900 miles).
On the same day, Lerwick Town Hall will be lit purple, with a remembrance service due to held at 7.30pm.
Choose Life coordinator Karen Smith said the roadshow aims to raise awareness of the warning signs people may show.
“The message is that if you’re worried about someone, such as a friend, family member or workmate, asking them directly about their feelings can help to save their life,” she said.
“The message is also that it’s ok to ‘not be ok’ and that sometimes individuals need to look for help. In Shetland, for men in particular, this can be a difficult concept and they don’t often ask for help.
“‘Stop Saying I’m Fine If You’re Not’ aims to challenge the perception of this concept and provide an opportunity for men, in particular, to speak about mental health and to highlight support services that are available in Shetland.”
Mind Your Head project manager Anouska Civico added: “There is still so much stigma around mental ill health and suicide. This week is another opportunity for us to try and eradicate the stigma and banish some of the myths associated with suicide.”
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