Support for suicide prevention campaign

A NEW national suicide prevention campaign has been backed by East Lothian Council.

“Talk” has been a central theme for suicide prevention campaigns, and as part of National Suicide Prevention Week (SPW) 2011, which starts today, East Lothian Council is providing local support to the national campaign with the message “When the going gets rough, the tough should get talking”.

The focus is on encouraging members of the public, if there is someone they are worried about, to ask them about thoughts of suicide, listen to what they have to say and encourage them to get help.

Statistics nationally and locally show men are less likely to ask for help or share their feelings before attempting suicide.

Councillor Paul McLennan, said: “Although the number of people taking their own lives in East Lothian is quite small, if anyone is feeling suicidal they should know where to seek help. If you are worried about someone, don’t be afraid to ask how they are and encourage them to seek assistance.”