Suicide prevention needs all of us
Publication date: 10 Sep, 2020
The Mental Welfare Commission today welcomed the launch, on World Suicide Prevention Day, of Scotland’s new national campaign to prevent suicide.
While numbers are reducing thanks to the efforts of many, 784 people died as a result of suicide in Scotland in 2018. That is two people a day. Each of us is more likely to encounter someone who needs a suicide intervention than CPR.
United to prevent suicide will invite everyone in Scotland to sign up to get practical information on how to talk about suicide.
Funded by Scottish Government and led by the national suicide leadership prevention group, the campaign will also introduce a new dedicated service for people bereaved by suicide.
United to prevent suicide includes a new approach to crisis care for people with suicidal thoughts, and will use digital technology to improve suicide prevention.
It will work at both national and local community levels.
Julie Paterson, chief executive, Mental Welfare Commission, said:
“Every suicide is a tragedy. For the individual, for their family and friends, and for the wider community.
“One of the main messages we can all learn from this campaign is that talking about suicide – saying the word – isn’t a trigger. It can help save a life.
“The campaign recognises that this can be hard to do, so in a very practical way, it guarantees that everyone who signs up will be sent a pack of information, including information on listening and talking about suicide.
“We, at the Commission, fully support the ambitions of united to prevent suicide which encourage everyone in Scotland to learn more, take part, and work together to help prevent the tragedy of death by suicide.”
Suicide is the leading cause of death among young people, and men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women.