Everyone can play a role in suicide prevention

Suicide Prevention Awareness Week (6 – 12 September) marks the start of a new campaign in the Borders themed around Creating Hope Through Action. People are being asked to consider what action they could take as individuals, communities and organisations to help prevent suicide.

Across the Borders communities are taking action to challenge the stigma around talking about suicide. A Breathing Space bench is being launched at Borders College as part of their welcome week to encourage students and staff to open up about their wellbeing and to support each other. Rugby Clubs in the Borders have also come together to show their support for challenging the stigma around suicide.

In Galashiels on World Suicide Prevention Day, Friday 10 September, people are invited to take part in a Hopeful Steps Walk. The walk will start at Gala Rugby Club at 2pm and participants will walk through the town to show that they are United to Prevent Suicide and to discuss the theme of hope as they walk.

There is also a United to Prevent Suicide Bitesize Information session being delivered via MS Teams at 11am-12pm Tuesday 14 September or 12-1pm Thursday 7 October 2021 for anyone who would like to find out more about how to prevent suicide.

Everyone has a role to play in suicide prevention. Small actions you take can help to build hope and to prevent suicide. We know that there are people in our communities who experience suicidal thoughts and would benefit from the help and support available. By knowing the signs that someone might be thinking about suicide, and having the confidence to ask about suicide, listen and signpost on to further support you are helping the Scottish Borders to become a suicide safer community.

You can help by being suicide ALERT:

Ask if they are thinking about suicide

Listen and show you care

Encourage them to get help

Right now

Tell someone

Pippa Walls, Health Improvement Lead, NHS Borders said: “Every death by suicide is a tragedy and when someone takes their own life it can have a profound effect on those around them. Nationally suicide is a leading cause of death among young people, and men are three times more likely to take their own lives than women. In Scotland’s most deprived areas the suicide rate between 2016 and 2020 was three and a half times higher than in the least deprived areas.

“Suicide is of concern to all of us. Words can stigmatise, divide and isolate. But they can also reassure, inform and help. Saying the word suicide isn’t a trigger, it can help save a life. We need to be confident to say suicide when we’re talking about it and to connect someone to the right support. We also need to be open, honest and non-judgemental, approaching conversations about suicide in this way can give someone hope. This is about breaking down barriers, not building them.

“It’s also important that we all take steps to look after our own mental health and wellbeing. Anyone can be at risk of suicide and by taking action to look after our mental health we reduce the risk. In the Scottish Borders the Six Ways to Be Well introduces different actions you can take to support positive mental wellbeing. Being physically active, finding ways to connect with others and taking up hobbies that we enjoy or learning something new all help to maintain our wellbeing.”

If you are feeling suicidal or suspect that someone you know is considering suicide it’s important to know that help is available. Get in touch with your local GP for support or contact Samaritans on116 123(24 hours) or Breathing Space on0800 83 85 87 (lines open 24 hours at weekends and 6pm to 2am on weekdays). If someone is at immediate risk of suicide call 999 to get help and support to them quickly.

Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBs) national helpline is available to support anyone over 18 who has been bereaved by suicide. Their helpline is open every day 9am-9pm on 0300 111 5065. Further information about supporting your own mental health and wellbeing, including the ‘Six Ways to Be Well’ guide can be found on NHS Borders Wellbeing Point at: www.nhsborders.scot.nhs.uk/wellbeingpoint