Johnstone to host wellbeing event for suicide prevention week

Samaritans is running a wellbeing event in Houston Square in Johnstone on Saturday 9 September to raise awareness of the support available for anyone who may be going through a tough time.

The event, which will run from 10am to 5pm, comes a day before World Suicide Prevention Day, which this year has the theme ‘Take a minute to change a life’ – and will close Suicide Prevention Week in Scotland which runs from 4-10 September

Samaritans volunteers will be lending a listening ear from their ‘We Listen’ campaign trailer, whether you are struggling personally or worried about someone else.

Other support services on hand will include Renfrewshire’s Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS) support group, Breathing Space, Choose Life and Renfrewshire Association for Mental Health.

Rosemary Mullen, Choose Life service coordinator, said: “Discussing thoughts of suicide can be a source of relief and the key to preventing immediate danger.

“It is also vital that support is available to help families cope with the loss of a loved one to suicide.

“The number of people taking their own lives has fallen in Renfrewshire every year since 2011, but it’s important that anyone struggling is aware of the support that is available.”

Samaritans’ Executive Director for Scotland, James Jopling said: “Sixteen people took their own life in Renfrewshire last year and the loss of each one of those lives will have had a devastating impact on families, friends and colleagues.

“We know that communities can play a key role in preventing suicide, so it’s truly heartening to see this community come together to tackle the issue. Taking time to look out for those around us can have a real impact.

“Please drop into our event and take a minute this World Suicide Prevention Day to ask someone how they are, and to really listen to that answer. Taking that minute could truly change a life.”

Samaritans stages hundreds of outreach events every year throughout the UK and Ireland to raise awareness of the charity and encourage people to seek help before they reach crisis.

Anyone can contact Samaritans for free, at any time, from any phone on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org to find details of your nearest branch.

The national helpline Breathing Space can be reached on 0800 83 85 87, and Recovery Across Mental Health (RAMH) First Crisis can be contacted on 0141 848 9090.

For more information on suicide prevention in Renfrewshire, call 0141 849 2200, or email rosemary.mullan@renfrewshire.gov.uk.