9 September 2024
Tomorrow (10 September) is World Suicide Prevention Day. The theme this year is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”. We are joining others around the world in calling on people to “Start the Conversation” to talk about mental health and to promote mentally healthy and suicide safer communities.
We are encouraging individuals, communities and organisations to engage in open, honest discussions about mental health and suicide.
Dr Sohail Bhatti, our Director of Public Health said: “By starting conversations, we can break down barriers and raise awareness, check in with a friend or loved one, share personal stories and advocate for mental health resources and support services.
“We want to shift from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding and support. It’s OK to ask someone about their suicidal thoughts and doing so could save a life.”
This year we launched the Creating Hope Awards in the Scottish Borders. The awards aim to promote good mental health, enable our local communities to have a clear understanding of suicide and its prevention and be able to respond in helpful and informed ways when support is needed.
The team at Scottish Borders Rape Crisis Centre were recently presented with the first Creating Hope Scottish Borders Champions Award (pictured below). Susie and the team at the centre have been committed to their suicide prevention work for many years now and we’re delighted that we’re able to recognise their contribution with this award.
We’re keen to encourage a wide range of groups, organisations, teams and services in the Scottish Borders to sign up to the Creating Hope Awards scheme. To find out more about the awards and how to sign up, visit https://www.nhsborders.scot.nhs.uk/creating-hope/creating-hope-awards/.
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 GP for support
- Samaritans on 116 123 (24 hours)
- Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87 (lines open 24 hours at weekends and 6pm to 2am on weekdays)
- NHS 24 Mental Health Hub - Call 111
- Papyrus (Prevention of Young Suicide) HOPELINE 0800 068 4141
If someone is at immediate risk of suicide call 999 to get help and support to them quickly.
For more information about looking after your mental health and suicide prevention resources visit the Creating Hope website - https://www.nhsborders.scot.nhs.uk/creating-hope/
