Each year, World Suicide Prevention Day is observed on 10 September. The aim is to provide worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides.
The theme identified for 2024 - 2026 is ‘changing the narrative on suicide’. The aim of the theme is to raise awareness about the importance of changing the narrative surrounding suicide and transforming how we perceive this complex issue. Increasing our confidence to talk about suicide is one way in which we can start to shift from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding, and support. The day is a chance for us all to come together, raise awareness, share resources and support those who may be struggling to cope.
Suicide Prevention Scotland has incorporated this theme in the national campaign of ‘What if a conversation about suicide could save a life?’ and will launch the new ‘What if podcast’ on 10 September as part of a commitment to have Scotland’s biggest ever conversation about suicide.
Locally, NHS Shetland’s Health Improvement Team has been engaging with local partners to build on the Scottish ‘What if’ campaign to develop local resources which detail the support options available. For example, for those who are worried themselves and for those who want to undertake training to be suicide aware. Posters and leaflets will be going out to a variety of community venues and can also be accessed on the Healthy Shetland website
On 13 and 14 September an Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) course will be delivered in Yell. ASIST is a suicide first aid training course, delivered during a two-day practical workshop. It aims to enable helpers to become more willing, ready, and able to recognise and intervene to help someone at risk of suicide. This course is free and being delivered by two local trainers, Mark Hughes from Mind Your Head and Laura Russell from Health Improvement. There will be more courses available throughout Shetland in the coming months.
Laura Russell, NHS Shetland Health Improvement Team and ASIST Trainer, said: “We know that having thoughts of suicide is common in Scotland. We value taking part in promoting and supporting World Suicide Prevention Day. It provides us with a dedicated space that is recognised nationally to have conversations and support those who are living with thoughts of suicide as well as those who have been affected. 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. 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.”
Anouska Civico, Chief Executive Officer at Mind Your Head, 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.
“Over the years at Mind Your Head, we have been encouraging people to speak openly and freely about their mental health and wellbeing, and of course that sometimes means that we have to ask someone if they are feeling suicidal, which can be a difficult conversation to have. However, by having these conversations, it will help us to help someone who may not have asked for help. We want Shetland to be resilient and responsive and would encourage everyone to participate in the ASIST training so that you can feel able and equipped to have those conversations.”
Throughout this week, the NHS Shetland Health Improvement Team will be linking in with activities as well as sharing a range of advice and support information. These will be promoted via the Healthy Shetland website and through their social media accounts.
If you need someone to talk to about how you are feeling now, please visit www.healthyshetland.com/signposting-to-support-services/
Further local support and information can be found at 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
Mind Support Line - 0300 102 1234 - provide 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.