Ayrshire Residents Encouraged to 'Choose Life'
If you can read between the lines, you can save lives. That’s the message Choose Life is sending out to people in East Ayrshire to mark Suicide Prevention Week. Last year 746 people across Scotland took their own lives, leaving a lasting impact on families, friends and communities. Choose Life is tackling this through its ‘Read between the lines’ campaign, which calls on everyone to be alert to the warning signs of suicide in people close to them. 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. The campaign acknowledges that signs of suicide can be ambiguous, but encourages people to take all signs of distress seriously, even if the person seems to be living a normal life. It also aims to assure people that asking a person about what’s troubling them can make a positive difference. Linda Chisholm, Choose Life Co-ordinator in East Ayrshire said: “You tend to know when someone close to you isn’t quite themselves. So if you notice any changes in their behaviour that worry you – even if the signs come and go – ask them about it. “You’ll find that talking can help a person get clarity about what it is that’s troubling them, and often gives a sense of perspective. Starting a conversation is half the battle. You don’t need to have an answer to their problems – just be there for them, try to listen carefully without judging, and show that you care.” Linda added: “If it feels right, ask if they are thinking about suicide. It won’t put the thought in their head if it wasn’t there before, but it can be a big relief for them to be able to say, ‘yes, I am’ and acknowledge they need help.” The campaign targets men and women who are likely to be in greatest contact with people most at risk of suicide – men aged 30-59, since statistics show that around three quarters of suicides have been men in every year since 1990. To support people in East Ayrshire to get behind the campaign, Choose Life is making widely available information cards with simple ‘how to help’ steps, and leaflets such as the Art of Conversation which gives advice on starting conversations about suicide and listening effectively. Raising awareness of suicide prevention and giving the public information is a vital part of the work of Choose Life. A host of activities are taking place in East Ayrshire during Suicide Prevention Week, including awareness raising information stands at various venues and the attendance of the CHIP van at Kilmarnock FC’s home game on Saturday 19th September. “Talk to us!” - That was the overwhelming message of Ayrshire Samaritans, Provost Jim Todd’s chosen charity, as their Chair, Kathy met with him and East Ayrshire Council’s Safer Communities Team Leader, Linda Chisholm in advance of Suicide Prevention Week. As Kathy (Samaritans never use their surnames to keep to their strict code of confidentiality) explains “All too often we sense, reading between the lines that something is wrong with a loved one or colleague, many people in distress find it difficult to ask for help and it can be difficult to know what to say, but we’re here to help! No problem is too big or too small for us, if you’re worried about a friend or relative you can always ring us to talk it over and work out a way forward. We’re here to listen and every call is absolutely confidential. We can signpost anyone to further help if necessary and we can be contacted by phone, email or text anytime of day 365 days a year.” Provost Todd said: “Since I’ve become involved with Ayrshire Samaritans as my chosen charity, it’s become clear that we all have a role to play in helping those in distress. And this week’s message is very simply – we need to talk. Whether it’s to Samaritans or each other, we can all help and make a positive difference to peoples’ lives and there’s plenty of help and information available for anyone who needs support.” Scotland’s suicide rate has been decreasing since 2002 with the latest figures showing that that they are at their lowest level since the 1970’s.
Choose Life in East Ayrshire has made a key contribution by supporting an Ayrshire wide programme of training in suicide prevention including courses such as safeTALK, ASIST and STORM.
Local teaching staff have also been supported through the delivery of seasons for growth a programme which supports young people to deal with loss.
Schools have also benefited from mental health and wellbeing awareness raising sessions targeting pupils, parents and staff.