Suicide prevention

Suicide is one of the main causes of death among people in Scotland today, with two people dying by suicide each day. Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy. Most people contemplating suicide may not want to die; they want to stop the pain and difficulties they are suffering at the time.

How you can help

The best way to find out if someone is thinking about suicide is to ask directly. Open talk and genuine concern about someone's thoughts of suicide are a source of relief and are key elements in preventing immediate danger of suicide. 

Suicide prevention is often made difficult by the stigma attached - people find it difficult to speak freely about it. This stigma leads to misunderstanding and intolerance. East Ayrshire's Here to Listen suicide prevention strategy aims to change these attitudes by increasing awareness and understanding in our communities. 

It is important that if you find yourself in a situation where someone has told you they are thinking about suicide that you know what to do next. You are not expected to know all the answers - the most important thing is to listen and to know where to get further support.

There are many local and national organisations that can help with this, such as Breathing Space and the Samaritans.

• Breathing Space 0800 83 85 87 (lines open Monday-Thursday 6pm-2am, Friday-Sunday 6pm-6am)
• Samaritans 116 123 (Free) (Lines open 24 hours)

Or you can telephone our own Suicide First Aiders who can help organise suicide prevention counselling or talk you through the additional supports that are available:

Suicide first aider contacts

Support directories

We have also produced useful support directories which are full of contact numbers and advice if you or someone you know needs help:

• Suicide support directory (PDF 842Kb) 
• Young persons suicide support directory (PDF 843Kb)

If you are worried about someone don’t be afraid to ask them, it could save their life.

Training

Although due to the current situation we cannot provide face to face training or awareness sessions, we do have Psychological First Aid and Suicide Awareness Ask Tell Save a Life as online modules. If you are interested please email healthandsafety@east-ayrshire.gov.uk for further information.  

Every life matters: suicide prevention and keeping people safe 

ASIST

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) is a two day interactive workshop in suicide first-aid, which aims to enable participants to become more willing, ready and able to recognise signs and intervene effectively to help persons at risk of suicide. If you would like to become a suicide first-aider, please contact Health and Safety.