Residents, communities and organisations across Argyll and Bute are being encouraged to have open conversations about mental health and wellbeing, take part in free training opportunities and show their support for World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September.
The campaign supports the national "What If?" initiative, which encourages people to challenge common myths, have compassionate conversations and feel more confident about seeking support when they need it.
To mark the day, a number of buildings across Argyll and Bute will be illuminated in purple on 10 September as a visible sign of support for World Suicide Prevention Day. The lighting aims to raise awareness, encourage conversations and remind people that help is available.
The Enabling Conversation toolkit was co-developed with young people, adults and subject experts to provide guidance for young people to seek support and information to help adults respond to a young person who approaches them to discuss how they are feeling. The links provided below will take you to the different sections of the toolkit:
· Young people: The sections of the toolkit which provide support and information for young people. Enabling conversations toolkit - Suicide Prevention Scotland.
· Adults: The sections of the toolkit that provide information to help adults to respond when approached by a young person who wants to discuss the distress they are experiencing. Enabling conversations toolkit - Suicide Prevention Scotland.
The campaign will also highlight a range of free mental health and suicide prevention training opportunities available to anyone living or working in Argyll and Bute. These include Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), safeTALK, Scottish Mental Health First Aid and other programmes that help people recognise when someone may be struggling, start supportive conversations and connect them with appropriate support.
YOU CAN BOOK A COURSE THROUGH TURAS LEARN. HERE’S HOW:
1.Sign up for Turas | My Turas | Home (if you haven’t already)
2.Go to the Public health zone | Turas | Learn
3.Choose a training category: Mental health and wellbeing or Suicide prevention
4.Pick a course, choose a date, and book your place
If you have any difficulties signing up you can email nhsh.ab-sptraining@nhs.scot.
Samantha Campbell, Public Health Principal, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “Every loss of life has a profound and lasting impact on families, friends, colleagues and communities but we can do something about this.
"World Suicide Prevention Day is an opportunity for all of us to help reduce the stigma that can stop people reaching out for support. It reminds us that talking openly about difficult thoughts and feelings can make a real difference, and that no one has to face them alone.
"Many people worry that asking someone if they are struggling or having thoughts of suicide could make things worse, but we know that isn't the case. A caring, compassionate conversation can help someone feel heard, reduce feelings of isolation and encourage them to access the support they need.
"I would encourage anyone living or working in Argyll and Bute to consider taking part in one of the free mental health and wellbeing training courses available locally. These sessions give people the confidence to recognise when someone may be struggling, respond in a supportive way and help them find the right support.
"By looking out for one another, listening without judgement and knowing where to find help, we can all play a part in creating communities where people feel safe to talk and seek support."
The campaign highlights an important message: asking someone if they are thinking about ending their life will not put the idea into their head. Instead, it can open the door to a conversation, helping them feel listened to, supported and connected to help.
Anyone who is struggling, or who is concerned about someone else, is encouraged to seek support.
Information about local and national support services, along with details of training opportunities, is available on the Argyll and Bute Living Well Mental Health Hub.
Where to get help
If you or someone you know needs support, help is available.
· Samaritans are available 24 hours a day by calling 116 123 free from any phone, or by emailing jo@samaritans.org.
· NHS 24 Mental Health Hub can be contacted by calling 111.
· In an emergency, or if someone is at immediate risk of harm, call 999 or go to your nearest Accident and Emergency department.