Town hall lights up green to raise suicide awareness

LERWICK Town Hall has lit up green tonight (Wednesday) to mark world suicide prevention day, which is globally observed on 10 September.

The aim is to provide worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides.

The message to people is that suicide is not inevitable. An interruption could be a face-to-face conversation, a phone call, text or any other way of connecting with someone who is experiencing suicidal thoughts.

The theme of the awareness raising initiative is ‘changing the narrative on suicide’.

Increasing people’s confidence to talk about suicide is one way to shift from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding and support.

Laura Russell of NHS Shetland’s health improvement team said: “We know that having thoughts of suicide is common in Scotland.

“Suicide prevention day is every day, and this week we will be using the national awareness day to promote resources and the support that is available to anyone at any time.”

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Russell, who is also a trainer in applied suicide intervention skills training (ASIST), added: “We want to take the time to remember those in our community, provide support for those in need and build a community who feel comfortable and confident to speak about suicide.”

Chief executive of local charity Mind Your Head Anouska Civico said: “Our community has been greatly affected by suicide over the last couple of years, and the day will stir up a range of emotions and memories of loved ones.”

Danielle Rowley of the Samaritans Scotland added: “It’s so important that we talk about suicide in order to prevent suicide, even though it can be challenging to approach and difficult to know what to say.

“We want to encourage people to feel confident and safe speaking about suicide, and not to be afraid of using the word.”

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Support and further information is available at:

www.healthyshetland.com/signposting-to-support-services/
www.mindyourhead.org.uk
Scottish Mental Health support and information can be accessed at www.samh.org.uk
Samaritans is a 24-hour helpline offering emotional support for anyone feeling down, distressed or struggling to cope. Call them on 116 123 or email: jo@samaritans.org
Suicide Prevention Scotland www.suicideprevention.scot
Mind Support Line – 0300 102 1234 – providing a safe place for you to talk about your mental health.
Shout – a free, confidential, 24/7 text support service for anyone in the UK who is struggling to cope. To start a conversation, text the work ‘Shout’ to 852258.  Trained volunteers will respond, and the messages won’t appear on your phone bill.
Link Up Shetland, 01595 693313. They provide a range of services, including a drop-in where people can relax and socialise and support in accessing other services.