Senior leaders of public sector organisations across North Lanarkshire have rallied around a drive to raise awareness about suicide prevention in a bid to encourage people to talk about it and seek support over the festive season.
Senior officers from organisations – including us and Health and Social Care North Lanarkshire – took to the streets in a specially-wrapped vehicle. The eye-catching van is promoting helpline numbers as part of the ‘Surviving Christmas’ campaign to directly address the stigma around suicide to both staff and to communities to encourage people to open up and talk about how they feel.
The streetscene van will be visible throughout North Lanarkshire over the coming months to encourage people to pick up the phone for support, particularly at this time of year.
Councillor Paul Kelly, depute chair of Health and Social Care North Lanarkshire, explained: “The festive season and new year can be particularly hard for many people who are feeling lonely, depressed or suicidal. It’s a time that people sometimes need that extra bit of support and talking to someone at the end of the phone can really help.
“Whether you work for one of the partner organisations or you live in one of our towns and communities, someone will always have time to listen to you. It’s vital that we become more used to talking about this issue openly.
“The newly wrapped van is a great way to get the message about suicide awareness into the heart of our communities. The van is very bright, very visible and carries helpline support numbers for those who may be struggling particularly at this time of year. The team driving the van have undertaken suicide prevention training and are happy to talk to anyone about suicide as they go about their duties.”
North Lanarkshire Council has also launched its festive guide ‘Surviving Christmas’ to support people who may be feeling lonely or vulnerable and give them advice on how to stay safe and get help if they need it. The guide contains information to help people cope with a range of issues including debt, stress and loneliness.
Health and social care staff can access a wide range of health and wellbeing support at any time of the year. The one stop staff webpage for health and wellbeing support (https://www.nhslanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk/your-health-matters/) provides information and support on a variety of topics that can impact both your working and personal life, as well as links and guidance on how to access services that may be useful to you.
Lynne MacDonald, suicide prevention lead, said: “Our ‘Surviving Christmas’ guide is aimed at people who may be experiencing low mood, anxiety, or stress at this time of the year. The festive season is a happy occasion for many, but it can be very challenging for others.
“The last couple of years have been very difficult for everyone, and lots of people have worries about their own mental health and of those they care about. It is vital people know that help and support is available to them at all times.”
Councillor Kelly added: “The emotional impact on families, friends and communities bereaved by suicide is devastating and can have awful long-lasting effect on those left behind. If you’re worried about someone, a friend or a family member, asking them directly about their feelings can help to save their life.
“By taking the time to show you care and are there to listen, you could change their life.”
The Surviving Christmas guide is available by visiting: www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/social-care-and-health/suicide-prevention-nl
Pictured: Scott Kennedy (group commander Scottish Fire and Rescue); Dermot McMahon (NLC); Daniel Callaghan (NLC), Lynne MacDonald (NLC); Superintendent Andy Thomson (Police Scotland); Ross McGuffie (chief officer Health and Social Care North Lanarkshire) and Des Murray (chief executive, NLC).
