On Tuesday 2 August, the National Suicide Statistics were released for Scotland for 2021. There were 753 probable suicides, which is a decrease from 805 in 2020, with 27 people having sadly died by taking their own life in North Ayrshire during that period.
If you have been affected by suicide, or are experiencing suicidal thoughts, please seek help and talk to someone as soon as you can. Suicide is everyone’s business.
- Samaritans: Visit samaritans.orgor call 116 123
- Breathing Space (Scotland): Visit https://breathingspace.scot/how-we-can-help/need-to-talk/ or call 0800 83 85 87, Mon-Thurs, 6pm-2am, and Sat-Sun 6pm-6am
- Childline: For those under age 19. Visit childline.org.uk or call 0800 1111
- Papyrus: For people under 35 and those supporting them. Call the Papyrus HOPEline on 0800 068 4141 (Mon-Fri 10am-10pm, Sat-Sun 2pm-10pm and bank holidays 2pm–5pm) or text 07786 209 697
To read more about the National Suicide Statistics for 2021, visit the Scottish Public Health Observatory website.
If you wish to contribute your feedback or comments on the National Suicide Prevention Strategy and Action Plan, you can do so by visiting the Scottish Government’s online consultation platform. The consultation closes on Tuesday 23 August.
Alternatively, you can send your comments to swatts@north-ayrshire.com by Wednesday 17 August and the Choose Life manager will collate a North Ayrshire response.
New suicide support resource for staff working with young people
Each death by suicide is a tragic and traumatic event for those around the person and beyond. The impact spreads far and wide and can continue for a long time.
The North Ayrshire Young People’s Suicide Taskforce has been working with staff from across many services who have been impacted by the death of a young person, as well as with Child Bereavement UK, to produce a support resource for any worker who finds themselves affected or impacted by a suicide of a young person.
Child Bereavement UK offers education for professionals and one to one and group support for families when a baby or child of any age dies or is dying, or
when a child is facing bereavement. Call 0800 028 8840 or visit www.childbereavementuk.org
You can download the resource by following the link below. The document will also be available on Connects soon, along with an accessible version.
Death of a young person by suicide – a support guide for professionals
Many thanks go to the staff who contributed to and helped develop this resource.
