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)

Mental health practitioners

The Mental Health Practitioner (MHP) is a mental health professional who works within GP practices.

They offer assessment and provide guidance for adults who are experiencing mental health difficulties. The aim is to ensure people, who may be struggling with a change or deterioration of their mental health, receive a prompt, specialist mental health assessment which is accessible locally within their own GP practices.

The MHPs are based within the following GP practices in East Ayrshire:

Suicide first aiders

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:

Support directory

We have also produced a useful suicide support directory (PDF 1.29Mb) which is full of contact numbers and advice if you or someone you know needs help.

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

Training

We are now able to provide Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) which is open to anyone free of charge. If you are interested please email healthandsafety@east-ayrshire.gov.uk for further information.

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.

United to Prevent Suicide

United to Prevent Suicide is Scotland’s national suicide prevention strategy. Sign up on the United to Prevent Suicide website and join the movement in Scotland to talk about suicide and save lives.

Videos

Ask, tell - a healthy conversation

This video animation gives tips on how and when to have compassionate conversations with people who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts or mental distress.

Ask, tell - look after your mental health

This video animation explores what mental health is and that we all have mental health.

Ask, tell - every life matters

This video animation explores the issue of suicide, provides facts about suicide in Scotland and most importantly it helps build confidence to listen, talk and take action.