A mum whose teenage daughter died by suicide after viewing harmful content online plans to walk the Pentland Skyline in Scotland this Saturday (June 15) to raise money for Childline.
Ruth Moss (52), a nurse from Edinburgh, is raising money for the NSPCC-run counselling service, which supported her daughter Sophie several times before she died.
Sophie died in 2014 aged 13 after she watched harmful content online, including material that glorified suicide.
She struggled with her mental health throughout her teenage years, and Ruth encouraged her to contact Childline when she was feeling very low or suicidal so that she could talk to someone, in confidence, who was professionally trained and independent from family and teachers.
Despite living with the grief of losing her daughter, Ruth is determined to bring about something positive from her tragedy by raising money for the free counselling service, which is available to young people up to the age of 19, 24 hours a day, all year round.
Ruth, who plans to complete the 16-mile route with a 5,577 ft climb with her husband Craig and two friends, said: “This walk feels like a positive way of marking a tragic event. It’s happened to us, there’s nothing we can do to change that.
“But it’s comforting to know I’m helping other young people who may be struggling with their mental health in the same way that Sophie was, and it helps to keep her memory alive, which is hugely important to me.
“When you lose a child you are always wondering what they’d be doing now. I’ve watched some of her friends grow up into beautiful young women and men.
“Sophie would have turned 24 this month and I am thinking she would probably have finished university, she might have a job, where would she be living? There’s a whole future that didn’t happen for Sophie.
“I want to do something to help prevent another family from losing a child in such a tragic way.”
In 2022/23, Childline delivered 105,366 counselling sessions with children across the UK where the child’s main concern was mental or emotional health, suicide or self-harm.
Ruth said: “Sophie used Childline for quite some time and while the outcome for her was tragic the service provided her with comfort, and I am so grateful to them for being there for her.”
Samaritans Scotland has responded to yesterday’s release of data from National Records of Scotland in its annual update on suicide statistics for 2022.
Key Points
762 deaths by suicide were recorded in 2022 – an increase of nine from 2021.
People living in Scotland’s most deprived areas are 2.6 times more likely to die by suicide than those living in the least deprived areas.
At council level, the rate was higher than the Scottish average in Highland, Dundee City, East Ayrshire and Perth and Kinross.
Female deaths increased by 18 – however a decrease of 42 was recorded in 2021.
Although the number of probable suicides increased for females, men are still 2.9 times more likely to die by suicide in Scotland.
Neil Mathers, Executive Director of Samaritans Scotland, said: “Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy and 762 deaths reaffirms the importance of suicide prevention work in Scotland.
“Today’s figures show that it is imperative that we continue to take action on the range of factors that may contribute to suicide risk.
“Those living in Scotland’s most deprived areas are more than twice as likely to die by suicide than those in more affluent areas.
“Samaritans research has previously shown the importance of suicide prevention work with middle aged men. Today’s data reinforces the need to prioritise support for middle aged people and highlights the need for women in middle age and older to receive the help they need.
“While there has been an increase overall in the number of female deaths, men continue to account for most deaths, and are still 2.9 times more likely to die by suicide in Scotland.
“We know that suicide is complex and there is rarely a single reason why someone may decide to take their own life.
“As a lead partner in Suicide Prevention Scotland – a new initiative in delivering Scotland’s Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2022-25 – we will encourage a whole society approach to address the social determinants with the greatest link to suicide risk. We will also consider ‘access to means’, examining locations of concern across the country.
“We look forward to working with the Scottish Government and other partners on this ambitious strategy to reduce deaths by suicide in Scotland.”
Dr David Hall, suicide prevention lead, Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland, said: “Although the most recent figures do not show dramatic changes, it is particularly disappointing to note that the slight decrease noted in the last few years has not continued, despite ongoing efforts in suicide prevention.
“We must remember that every one of these probable deaths by suicide represent a terrible tragedy for all those affected.
“The dramatically increased rate in the most deprived areas of Scotland over the less deprived, illustrates the ongoing health inequalities experienced by many Scots.
“Ongoing efforts in suicide prevention and focus on ensuring that those in suicidal crisis can access prompt and appropriate help, wherever they are, remain vitally important.”
Suicide Prevention Scotland has responded to today’s release of data from National Records of Scotland (NRS) for 2022 which shows a small year on year increase in deaths by probable suicide.
Statistics released by NRS show that there were 762 suicides registered in 2022, a 1.2% increase on 2021 (which was down 6.5% on 2020’s data).
Annual data can fluctuate so it is important to also view the figures in terms of five year rolling averages which give a better understanding of the pattern of deaths over time.
The number of deaths by suicide in 2022 is slightly below the previous five-year average (771). Apart from 2021, it’s the lowest number of suicide deaths since 2017 (680).
The average age of death by suicide has risen from the previous year. In 2022 this was 48.1 years; in 2022 it was 41.9 years.
The small increase in the past year can be attributed to an increase in female suicides by 18 and a reduction in male suicides, which decreased by nine. The rate for men remains three times that of women.
Compared to the previous female five-year average (198 for 2017-2021), 2022 shows an increase of eight deaths. Compared to the previous male five-year average (573 for 2017-2021), 2022 shows a decrease of 17 probable suicides.
There was an increase in suicide rate 2017-2019, followed by a decrease 2019-2021, with the lowest numbers seen since 2017 in 2021. Although the numbers released for 2022 do not continue to follow this decrease, it is too early to say if the downward trend has stalled, as several years’ data are needed to confirm an overall trend.
Probable suicides in the 15–24-year-old group have fallen by four to 69 in 2022, from 73 in 2021.
The biggest reduction seen is in the 25–34-year-old group, which fell by 35 to 113 in 2022 from 148 in 2021. However, the next oldest age category, the 35-44-year-olds, saw one of the highest increases (up 22 to 153).
There has also been a slight increase over the last year in older age groups, including the 55-64-year-olds (up 22, to 143 deaths, and mirroring similar findings for 2021) and the 65–74-year-olds (up 18, to 91 deaths).
The increase in these older age groups was driven mostly by male suicides, which increased by 37 to 121 in the 55-64-year-olds.
When we look at the rate of suicide, the highest rate seen in 2022 was among 35-44-year-old males (35.6 per 100,000), an increase from 27.4 in 2021.
In 2022, the suicide rate in the most deprived areas was 21.7 per 100,000, compared with least deprived areas of 8.4 per 100,000.
This means that deaths by suicides in 2022 occurred 2.6 times more in our most deprived communities, an improvement on inequality seen in previous years.
The five-year average 2018-2022 was three times more in the most deprived areas compared with least deprived areas. This is a small improvement from the previous five year average 2017-2021, which was 3.1 times more.
Last September, the Scottish Government and COSLA (Convention of Scottish Local Authorities) launched the country’s new long-term suicide prevention strategy and action plan, Creating Hope Together.
To deliver the new strategy, a new community of organisations and people, Suicide Prevention Scotland, has been established.
Creating Hope Together sets out four key outcomes. Partnership is at the heart of the approach, and so a strategic partner(s) has been appointed to drive delivery. They are:
Creating a safer environment that protects against suicide across the whole of Government and society – Samaritans
Improving understanding of suicide and tackling stigma – SAMH
Providing compassionate support for anyone affected by suicide – Penumbra & Change Mental Health
Working in a connected way, that always draws on evidence and lived experience – Public Health Scotland
A new National Suicide Prevention Advisory Group has also been established.
Led by Rose Fitzpatrick CBE QPM, its members represent many of the sectors leading work on the social determinants of suicide. This includes poverty, as well as partners who are working in key sectors affected by suicide – such as the criminal justice sector.
Their role is to provide advice to Suicide Prevention Scotland, Scottish Government and COSLA which helps us focus on the complexity, intersectionality and inequality of suicide.
Suicide Prevention Scotland’s recently appointed National Delivery Lead Haylis Smith comments: “Today we learnt that 762 families lost a loved one to suicide in 2022. Every person was a family member or friend – important to and loved by others. Each and every one drives our commitment to do everything we can to prevent suicide.
“Creating Hope Together – the new strategy and action plan, along with Suicide Prevention Scotland, the community of people across the country who are involved in suicide prevention, will help to ensure we deliver a joined up whole of government – and society – approach.
“The year one priorities provide a strong base for us to continue the detailed work that has been undertaken in recent years and the outcomes framework will help us measure our progress.
“Understanding the determinants of suicide is vital to our work and will continue to help shape the critical focus on inequalities, particularly the impact of poverty, because we know that you are 2.6 times more likely to die by suicide if you live in the most deprived areas, than the least.
“Everyday we should remind ourselves that talking about suicide saves lives. People often worry about bringing the subject up, about saying the word suicide, but we know that talking about suicide is an important way that we can ensure that no death is inevitable. ”
SteveMcHughis part of Suicide Prevention Scotland’s Lived Experience Panel. His son died by suicide in 2016. He said: “No one underestimates the complexity or the size of the challenge that we face, and we all understand that a lot of the work we are doing in Suicide Prevention Scotland is building institutional strength, capacity and awareness that will drive these numbers down over the longer term.
“It is totally regretful that we’ve seen a short term increase from 2021 to 2022, but we believe we are working extremely hard on the right things. That being said, we have to try and move quicker from the ideas into implementation in our communities.
“We were all very fearful that lockdown was going to have a spike impact on suicide rates, and that didn’t happen, but we are aware that lockdown has had a long-term impact on the population’s mental health and there are going to be further challenges ahead.”
NadineDougall, Professor of Mental Health & Data Science at Edinburgh Napier University and a member of the Suicide Prevention Scotland Academic Advisory Group comments: “Every death by suicide has devastating consequences on families, friends, and communities. The deaths by suicide registered in 2022 showed a 1% increase on the previous year, although they were also slightly below the previous five year average.
“The 2022 data also reveals that stark inequalities remain between our most and least deprived communities, with 2.6 times as many deaths registered in our most deprived areas.
“Although we have seen a slight improvement in this inequality comparing previous five year averages, it is still clear that as well as bringing down numbers of deaths by suicide, we must tackle the wider inequalities that contribute to suicide.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health or feeling suicidal, please don’t hesitate to ask for help by contacting your GP, NHS24 on 111, Samaritans on 116 123 or Breathing Space on 0800 83 58 87.
SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health) is inviting people from Edinburgh with lived experience of suicide to apply to take part in the Suicide Prevention Scotland Lived Experience Panel.
The panel exists so that people with experience of suicide can help shape Scotland’s mission to prevent suicide.
The Lived Experience Panel works alongside Suicide Prevention Scotland to influence and advise on its work to deliver the Scottish Government and COSLA’s suicide prevention strategy, Creating Hope Together.
Suicide Prevention Scotland is the community of people and organisations working together to deliver the strategy.
The panel was initially formed in 2019 to support the delivery of the previous strategy.
It played a vital role in the development of guidance to support local authorities, learning & development resources, the launch of the United to Prevent Suicide campaign movement, pilot projects to support families bereaved by suicide, and shaping an approach to supporting people in suicidal crisis, Time Space Compassion.
This model has been so successful that it has been recognised by the World Health Organisation as a significant international example of participation of people with lived experience in suicide prevention work.
Those who have previously attempted suicide, experienced suicidal thoughts, or have lost a loved one to suicide are encouraged to apply to be on the panel.
The Scottish Government provides funding to SAMH to host the lived experience panel, providing support to the group’s members so that they can contribute fully and safely help influence suicide prevention strategy.
SeonaidStallan, is a current member of the Lived Experience Panel. She lost her son Dylan to suicide; three weeks later her sister-in-law Vanessa took her own life.
She said: “After losing my son and sister-in-law to suicide, I knew there were things which needed to change to prevent this happening to others.
“Being a member of the Lived Experience Panel has given me the opportunity to share my personal lived experience, insight and knowledge of suicide.
My experience is valued, and I have been able to use my voice to help influence and shape a variety of actions and services in suicide prevention.
“I am pleased to say that Scotland now has a pilot service which supports families bereaved by suicide, families like mine. This will save lives.”
Dan Farthing, Head of Suicide Prevention at SAMHsaid: “This is a unique opportunity for people in Edinburgh to play a significant part in Scotland’s mission to prevent suicide.
“SAMH is proud to have worked collaboratively to establish and develop the Lived Experience Panel and to continue to host it for Suicide Prevention Scotland.
“Working with panel members we’ve created a safe space for open conversation, and constructive challenge. Those who join the panel will be able to genuinely shape what Scotland’s approach to suicide prevention looks like in the future.
“Support and safeguarding are always at the forefront of everything we do, and so those who are interested in contributing this way should know that their wellbeing is our top priority.”
Haylis Smith, National Delivery, Suicide Prevention Scotlandsaid: “Over the last four years the Lived Experience Panel has become a vital part of the three-way approach to the development of suicide prevention policy and practice alongside public health professionals and our academic advisors.
“Members understandably want to do all they can to prevent suicide, but it is the quality of their contributions that have made such a difference.
“The idea of a lived experience panel was very new when this one was set up, and some people were probably quite nervous about taking this approach.
“However, we’ve seen so many meaningful contributions that have helped shape our approach, and in some cases bring about change that may not have happened.
“We’d warmly encourage anyone who has experience of suicide in Edinburgh, who feels they are ready to contribute to this work to put themselves forward.”
The Baton of Hope aims to be the UK’s biggest suicide prevention initiative
The Baton of Hope, the symbol of the UK’s biggest suicide awareness campaign, reached Edinburgh Castle on Monday as it continues its tour across the UK’s major cities,
The Baton of Hope, the biggest suicide prevention initiative the UK has ever seen, will visited Edinburgh on the first ever tour of its kind.
Highlighting the suicide crisis that sees 17 people take their own lives every day, the charity’s Baton, its iconic physical symbol, will embark on a tour of 12 cities across the UK, starting in Glasgow on Sunday 25th June and culminating in a trip to Downing Street on Thursday 6th July.
The Baton will bring a unifying message of hope to the thousands of people across the country that are suffering as a result of suicide bereavement or personal mental ill health.
PICTURED: Louise Marshall, the Lord Provost’s Piper, Christo, the Baton of Hope Tour’s first Baton bearer, Tanya Marwaha and Jenny Raynor, members of the Baton of Hope organising committee, and Paul Marshall, brother of the Lord Provost’s Piper.
From April 2021 to March 2022, Childline counsellors delivered 1,345 counselling sessions with children in Scotland who were experiencing suicidal thoughts or feelings
NSPCC Scotland has released new data from its Childline service to mark Children’s Mental Health Week and raise awareness of how we can help and support children when they are experiencing poor mental health and suicidal thoughts.
Children’s Mental Health Week (6-12 February) is an annual event in the UK that aims to raise awareness of children’s mental health. It is co-ordinated by the children’s charity Place2Be, and this year’s theme is Let’s Connect, encouraging children and young people to connect with others in healthy, rewarding, and meaningful ways.
This new data from the NSPCC reveals that Childline counsellors delivered 1,345 counselling sessions with children in Scotland who were experiencing suicidal thoughts or feelings last year from April 2021 to March 2022.
Adeniyi Alade, service head of Childline in Scotland, said: “At Childline, we know that hundreds of children across Scotland are struggling with their mental health, and it remains the number one concern that our counsellors speak to children about every day.
“Whilst some are grappling with anxiety, others are experiencing depression and suicidal thoughts and feelings. Many of these children tell our counsellors they are the first person they have spoken to and that they’ve not known who else to turn to.
“No matter what a child’s experience is, if they are struggling with their mental health, we believe it is essential they get the support they need to help them cope quickly. That’s why this children’s mental health awareness week we want to remind all young people that Childline is here for them 24/7, whether that be on the phone or via an email or 121 chat.
“As well as speaking with one of our counsellors, we also have lots of resources and advice available online like our monitored message boards which allow young people to speak with their peers and connect and share their experiences.”
Sandra Gordon, a Childline counsellor at NSPCC’s Glasgow call centre, said: “Over the last few years mental health has been a huge issue.For some young people things can be so tough at home and sometimes they think about taking their own life.
“They may feel anxious and be struggling on a lot of levels. Young people feel isolated when they have fallen out with friends, they are arguing with parents and finding their schoolwork difficult.
“We are there to listen, we’d never judge any young person, and we try to build their confidence and self-esteem. We allow them to explore other options and try to make them feel valued. For many young people it can be easier to talk to someone you don’t know and it helps to know they can remain anonymous.”
A boy aged 15 from Scotland who called Childline said: “I’m going to kill myself tonight. Every day is so hard; everyone is upsetting me all the time.
“I’m just so stressed. I’ve been feeling like this all week but today things happened which are the last straw for me.”
Another 15-year-old boy who called Childline said:“For the past few months, I’ve been feeling lonely and like I’m nothing. Most recently I’ve had really dark thoughts about suicide.
“I’ve been self-harming as a distraction as wherever I go it’s always on mind – it seems to just follow me and it’s really overwhelming. I act as happy when I’m around my mum – she seems to think I’m fine but I’m really dying inside.
“I feel like nobody understands and I don’t know who to tell. I’m worried they’ll laugh and won’t believe me or say, ‘you out of all people can’t be feeling that!’.”
A boy aged 17 who called Childline said: “I keep getting these suicidal thoughts and I don’t know what to do about them. I try to distract myself or I ride them out, but the thoughts always end up coming back.
“You’re the first person I’ve told this to. I don’t really want my mam to know cos it will only worry her and probably make me feel even worse.”
Advice for children:
Talk to a trusted adult about how you are feeling and what is worrying you. This could be a parent, guardian, sibling over the age of 18, grandparent, teacher or a Childline counsellor. Sharing how you feel with someone you trust means that they can support you and give you ideas on how to cope. It will also help you feel less alone with your worries, and they can let you know that they will be here for you.
Be kind to yourself. Speak to yourself like you would a friend and take the time to check in on your basic needs such as eating, drinking and resting.
Take a break if you feel overwhelmed or are struggling to cope you could go for a walk or listen to some music to give yourself some headspace. Taking some deep breaths will also help you feel calmer and less panicked and you can visit Childline ‘s Calm Zone to find some activities that can help relax you.
Try and build a healthy routine to give yourself some structure to your day. For example, you could set reminders on your phone to take regular breaks where you may read a book, go for a walk or ring a friend. Or you could get up earlier than normal and start your day with some deep breaths, some gentle exercise and have a healthy breakfast.
Helping others or doing a random act of kindness can help you feel good about yourself and can distract you from your worries. This doesn’t have to be anything extravagant; it could be as simple as offering to do a house chore like the washing up or making someone a cup of tea.
Contact Childline if you feel you have no-where else to turn or would like some extra support.
Our counsellors are available 24/7 and you can get in touch online at childline.org.uk by email or 1-2-1 chat or on the phone on 0800 111 or. Our trained counsellors are here for you and no worry is ever too small.
For Adults:
Let them know you’re there for them, this will reassure them that you are on their side and it will remind them that they can come to you about anything.
Try talking to them over text or on the phone, if they don’t feel able to talk in person.
Be patient and staying calm and approachable, even if their behaviour upsets you recognising that their feelings are valid and letting them know it’s okay for them to be honest about what it’s like for them to feel this way.
Think of things you could do together to help them cope, like yoga, breathing exercises or mindfulness.
Encourage them to talk to adult they trust like their GP, someone at their school or Childline. Especially if they’re finding it hard to talk at home.
Take care of yourself and get support if you need to. Try not to blame yourself for what’s happening and stay hopeful.
Samaritans Scotland will host an event at Glasgow Central Station today (Monday 16 January) in a bid to dispel the myth of ‘Blue Monday’.
The third Monday of each year is often referred to as the most depressing day of the year and falls on January 16 in 2023.
To debunk the idea of ‘Blue Monday’, Samaritans runs an annual Brew Monday campaign throughout the UK which emphasises the importance of talking and encourages people to reach out to family and friends and have chat over a cuppa.
This Brew Monday, Samaritans Scotland has teamed up with Scotland’s Railway to hold an event at Glasgow Central Station. Volunteers and staff will be on hand from 8am to 2pm offering tea, coffee and biscuits to commuters and passers-by.
AG Barr has kindly donated cans of Irn Bru for the event, meaning visitors can cheers to ‘Bru Monday’ too! There will also be a selection of sweet treats thanks to Lees of Scotland.
Danielle Rowley, Influencing Manager at Samaritans Scotland, said: “At Samaritans, we know there’s no such thing as ‘Blue Monday’. We all have our good days and our bad days, these aren’t for the calendar to decide.
“Our dedicated listening volunteers all over Scotland are consistently busy 24/7, 365 days a year, picking up a call for help every 10 seconds.
“The simple act of having a chat with someone over a coffee can have a huge impact – it could even save a life.
“It’s time to stop the myth about this Monday being ‘blue’ and instead start a conversation over a brew – or Bru!”
Anyone can contact Samaritans for free any time from any phone on 116 123, even on a mobile without credit. Or you can email jo@samaritans.org.
*Ahead of World Mental Health Day, new data from a leading UK charity reveals a worrying mental health surge.
**New video – called “The Feelings” – helps raise awareness of the suffering many frontline staff are experiencing
THE number of frontline workers seeking help with potentially suicidal thoughts has increased by over 70 per cent in the last year, the Laura Hyde Foundation has announced.
Disturbing new statistics compiled by the UK’s leading mental health charity for emergency service workers shows rising numbers of nurses, doctors, paramedics, midwives, police officers and firefighters are now seeking help.
In the first half of 2022, 946 contacted the Laura Hyde Foundation for support linked to suicidal thoughts. That’s compared to 556 people in the first half of 2021 – a leap of 70%.
The charity, set up in memory of Navy nurse Laura Hyde, says more than 220 nurses attempted to end their lives during the first year of Covid in 2020.
In a bid to raise awareness, the charity has collaborated on a new video which shines a light on the issue.
“The Feelings” aims to raise awareness of the serious difficulties that medical and emergency workers face, and how this can affect them day-to-day if they don’t seek support.
Each of the characters represents some of the actual feelings that workers from the healthcare frontline have been experiencing, including ‘rising dread’, ‘red rage’, and ‘powerless’.
The LHF says it is particularly concerned these issues could become even more pressing due to the impact the cost of living crisis could have on many in the sector, who are already struggling to cope in the aftermath of the pandemic.
They’ve been heightened further by the fact many services are currently overstretched and will face fresh difficulties in the looming Winter period.
Now, ahead of World Mental Health Day on Monday October 10, the charity is issuing an appeal to the Prime Minister, Liz Truss and Health Secretary Therese Coffey to act in this area.
Liam Barnes, the chairman of the Laura Hyde Foundation, said: “These deeply alarming figures expose what we have been growing increasingly concerned about at the Laura Hyde Foundation over recent months.
“And that’s the fact that our healthcare and emergency services are still facing a pandemic. This time however it isn’t Covid-19, it is the state of mental health and wellbeing of the workforce.
“We are yet to see the true effects of burnout, PTSD and many more conditions as a result of this testing time. Plus we now have a cost of living crisis which will only add to the burden many of our frontline workers will face.
“That’s why it is critically important that the new Prime Minister and her new Health Secretary put providing mental health support to emergency workers at the very top of their agenda.
“Sadly, the topic of mental health specifically for healthcare workers remains riddled with stigma. This simply has to end.”
Mr Barnes said there has been a sharp rise in the number of people contacting the LHF seeking support this year. The charity says the number of people contacting them in the first half of 2022 was up 39 per cent on the level seen in the first half of 2021.
Nurses, midwives, medical students and hospital doctors contacted the charities in the greatest numbers.
Of those who reached out more 54% said they needed support for suicidal thinking or activity.
Seventy-seven per cent of the contacts the Laura Hyde Foundation received were from frontline staff aged 40 or under.
The LHF collaborated with the creative agency McCann Health and production company Jelly to make its new animated film, The Feelings.
By anonymously characterising these feelings, LHF hopes it will help frontline workers – and beyond – recognise the warning signs of mental health issues and seek support.
The animation, which focuses on supporting emergency workers, has already won industry praise for its impact. The LHF is sharing and promoting “The Feelings” to help support those in need around Suicide Prevention Day.
Guy Swimer, Executive Creative Director of McCann Health, says, “We were looking for a new way to support frontline workers who’ve experienced unprecedented pressure in the last couple of years.
“Hopefully people will continue sharing “The Feelings” with those who might need to see it, so we can try to help the people who’ve been helping all of us.”
Charlie Sells, Founder and Creative Director of Jelly, added, “While the issues raised will be familiar to many of us, emergency workers in particular have been profoundly impacted in recent years.
“We are hugely proud of this campaign, which encourages our care givers to articulate and speak about their feelings in the hope that precious lives are not lost.”
CASE STUDY:
“Please seek help and do not go through this alone.”
Gemma Clay, 38, is a nurse and clinical doctorate fellow at the University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust. Gemma was a finalist for Nurse of the Year with Nursing Times in 2020. She will be providing quotes to support the campaign.
She said: “The leap of 70 per cent is a shocking statistic. But I am not totally surprised because as a nurse working on the frontline, I see every day the mental ill health many in the service are suffering.
“These findings underline why all organisations across the emergency services must step up and do more to ensure they are supporting frontline workers.
“When I talk to staff, many of them tell me that the cost of living crisis is having a big impact on their mental health. Large numbers are also suffering from PTSD linked to the pandemic and burnout due to the current pressures that exist within the service.
“Stigma still exists in this issue and we need to break it down as soon as possible.
“People experiencing suicidal thoughts often struggle to be heard. This could be due to myths surrounding suicide, such as the idea that talking to a suicidal person can make them even more suicidal.
“Another myth is that people who talk about suicide are attention seeking and difficult to manage, when in fact even though bringing up suicide can be very difficult, it suggests that the person wants and needs help.
“We need discussions around mental health and suicide to be a part of everyday conversations. When we acknowledge the problem it shows strength instead of weakness and encourages nurses to talk and not wait until they get into a state of crisis to get help.
“In my view, communication is vital when helping colleagues. All health professionals need to provide a culture that helps and encourages people to speak up. Knowing what to say and what to do when someone is having thoughts of suicide can save lives.
“My main advice to anyone feeling suicidal is to talk to someone. Don’t stay silent, as it is hard going through this alone. Talk to a friend, a family member or a colleague. If you do not want to talk to someone you know then contact a helpline so you can remain anonymous. But please seek help and do not go through this alone.
“Being open and honest about suicide and your mental health does not mean the end of your career. I have been promoted several times. Talking to someone and having someone listen can save a life.”
For Mental Health Awareness Week (9th-15th May), the iconic ‘Lunch atop a Skyscraper’ image has been recreated with 11 mannequins to represent the number of tradespeople who die from suicide each week.
The display was organised by IronmongeryDirect as part of its annual campaign to raise awareness of mental health amongst the UK trades.
Its 2022 report found that more than four in five (82%) UK tradespeople deal with some form of mental health problem due to work, and sadly, many take their own lives as a result.
Government data shows that there are 589 suicides in the industry each year, which works out at 11 per week, on average.
To visualise this tragic statistic, IronmongeryDirect positioned 11 mannequins on a platform, which was then lifted 30m into the air by a crane that was kindly donated by the excellent team at Bandshire Crane Hire.
This year marks the 90th anniversary of the original skyscraper photo being taken, and the number of ironworkers in the scene matches the weekly suicide figure.
The original Lunch atop a Skyscraper photo from 1932
As part of its campaign, the Essex-based ironmongery supplier has partnered with the mental health charity, Basildon Mind, and is donating over £3,000 to support its crucial services.
Emma Mamo, Head of Workspace Wellbeing at Mind, said: “In male-dominated industries such as construction, employees are often less willing and able to open up about their mental health and ask for support.
“This can be problematic because mental health problems often become worse if left untreated, and the consequences can be fatal.
“We urge employers to create cultures where employees can speak openly and honestly about their mental health.”
Dominick Sandford, Managing Director at IronmongeryDirect, said: “The Lunch atop a Skyscraper image is famous for its message of hope for the industry and camaraderie between workers, so it’s heart-breaking to think that the same number of tradespeople seen in the photo die from suicide every single week.
“Unfortunately, our research found that almost nine in ten individuals don’t feel comfortable talking about their mental health, yet this is one of the most positive steps people can take to start addressing any issues.
“We hope that by raising awareness of mental health in the trades, this stigma can be removed and the situation can start to improve.”
The Health and Safety Executive’s Working Minds campaign aims to raise awareness of the legal obligations that employers have to protect employees from work-related stress and its impact on mental health.
Suicidal Crisis Support Action Group will drive implementation of the Time, Space and Compassion approach
A new group will be set up to make sure that everyone at risk of suicide can access the right support when then need it, following recommendations made by the National Suicide Prevention Leadership Group (NSPLG).
The Suicidal Crisis Support Action Group will drive implementation of the Time, Space and Compassion approach, a new way to improve help for people who are suicidal.
Nigel Henderson, former Chief Executive of Penumbra and member of the NSPLG, has been appointed as National Lead for Suicidal Crisis Support to lead this work.
Wellbeing Minister Kevin Stewart (above) said: “I welcome the report from the NSPLG and the recommendations it makes on improving responses to people in suicidal crisis. We will consider the recommendations in full.
“To deliver the scale of change set out in their recommendations, a dedicated Suicidal Crisis Support Action Group will be established to take forward and oversee the implementation of this work.
“The appointment of Nigel recognises his career in developing compassionate support for vulnerable people, including those at risk of suicide. The group will be accountable to ministers and continue to work in close partnership with NSPLG.
“We know there are some excellent examples of suicidal crisis support services across Scotland already, and we have an opportunity to learn from those to make sure this type of support is available right across Scotland.
“Every day, people in our communities, and those working in statutory and third sector services, are responding compassionately to people in crisis. However, there is more we can do. This report offers a real opportunity to transform how we engage and support our most vulnerable people at times of suicidal crisis.”
Nigel Henderson said: “I am very pleased to have been asked to lead on implementing this work.
“Having been a member of the NSPLG and directly involved in this work, I believe that developing the Time, Space, Compassion approach has the potential to make a positive difference to how we respond to people experiencing suicidal crisis.
“There is much to do, and I look forward to working with people, communities and organisations to take forward the recommendations.”
Scotland’s National Suicide Prevention Leadership Group (NSPLG) has welcomed the Scottish Government’s acceptance of recommendations for improvements to the response provided to people in suicidal crisis.
Established by the Scottish Government, the NSPLG brings together people with lived experience of suicide alongside academic, third sector, and statutory partners to support the delivery of Scotland’s Suicide Prevention Action Plan: Every Life Matters.
These key NSPLG recommendations have been accepted in full by the Scottish Government and will be published on their website today (Wednesday 13 October ).
The NSPLG report uses evidence on the effectiveness of differing models of crisis support to make recommendations to service providers and share best practice.
It deliberately does not recommend a particular model of crisis support. Instead, it sets out an approach which sees suicidal crisis response as a human reaction, not a service model, and sets out the principles of Time, Space and Compassion as the basis of improvement in support for those in crisis.
The recommended approach is at the core of the NSPLG’s vision in supporting delivery of Every Life Matters, ensuring the right support is available for people when they are actively contemplating suicide at a time of crisis.
Time allows a person to discuss their feelings, and Space recognises the need to provide an accessible, quiet, comfortable, pleasant place for a person to talk and/or a virtual space to access support by phone, text or online.
In addition, research shows that Compassion in response to a person in crisis encourages them to disclose details which, in turn, can lead to more effective support being offered and lay the foundations for self-compassion, reducing the need for support from frontline services in the future.
Embedding the principles of Time, Space and Compassion into responses to suicidal crisis in Scotland will require concerted action across national and local government, and services across sectors, communities and citizens.
NSPLG chair Rose Fitzpatrick CBE QPM, said: “We believe that this approach, rooted in Time, Space and Compassion, can be implemented across all sectors and communities, transforming the experiences of those in crisis and at immediate risk of suicide.
“It is important to highlight that this report is not critical of existing crisis support. Based on the experiences of those who have been in suicidal crisis and those around them, it recommends a radically different cultural landscape, and requires a different sort of resourcing to enable this approach to be implemented consistently.
“People with lived experience of the impacts of suicide and those providing services tell us these recommendations have the potential to improve the experiences of those who seek help at a time of suicidal crisis, and ultimately to save lives.”
Member of NSPLG Lived Experience Panel, Shumela Ahmed (39) from Bridge of Allan near Stirling, is the managing director at Resilience Learning Partnership. She has family and friends who have experienced poor mental health and made suicide attempts.
Shumela has also experienced suicidal thoughts herself.
She said: “I believe Time, Space and Compassion is the right approach because it’s trauma informed and it understands that it takes time to build up trust and connect with a person when they are in a suicidal crisis.
“Every interaction is an opportunity for intervention. When a person is at risk of suicide they need a compassionate response from someone who will spend time with them and offer a safe space for them to talk.
“A really kind, compassionate, empathetic human conversation is often what is actually needed rather than following some big, important framework.
“I look forward to these recommendations being implemented in workforces so that staff have the tools and the resources to take this approach.”
The NSPLG recommendations are intended to be a starting point for work in this area and they focus, in the first instance, on the practical support and evidence required to make this culture shift collaboratively, and on ensuring the availability of existing crisis services as we emerge from the pandemic.
Water Safety Scotland urges people to take precautions as incident data shows an increase in water-related fatalities
Water Safety Scotland (WSS) is urging people across Scotland to ‘Respect the Water’ when visiting and enjoying its waterways and coastlines.
This call comes at a time when the latest figures from the Water Incident Database (WAID), which is maintained by the National Water Safety Forum (NWSF), revealed that there were 99 water-related fatalities in Scotland’s waters, with 39 due to accidental drownings in 2020.*
79% of accidental fatalities happened at inland waters. This is a significant change from previous years, which have seen most accidental fatalities happen at the coast.
With drownings across the world currently in the spotlight after the United Nations (UN) recent General Assembly, there are growing concerns emerging with the announcement of these new figures.
As Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters 2021 is in full swing, WSS is keen to support people getting out and enjoying Scotland’s waterways with safety at the forefront of any activities.
In line with the NWSF ‘Respect the Water’ campaign, WSS is asking members of the public to follow Scotland’s Water Safety Code wherever they are in Scotland, and have, as a result, created a new webpage to support the ‘Respect The Water’ campaign.
Michael Avril, Chair of Water Safety Scotland said: “Every fatality in Scotland massively impacts the persons friends and family and we at Water Safety Scotland will continue to do everything within our powers to prevent future tragedies.
“2020 was an exceptionally difficult year in so many ways and the increased number of drowning fatalities may have been caused by a number of factors. Water Safety Scotland will continue to work in partnership to carry out prevention activity and to better understand the causes of these tragedies.
“We ask everyone to come together in Scotland to support the #RespectTheWater campaign and follow Scotland’s Water Safety code.”
With Scotland’s Drowning Prevention Strategy in its fourth year, the four-year review of the strategy will be published next spring along with a planned RoSPA Water Safety Conference.
This year’s WAID statistics also includes a fatality figure from suspected suicides. The figure for Scotland in 2020 was 28, with the Scotland’s Drowning Prevention Strategy average being 29.
Rachel Cackett, Executive Director for Samaritans Scotland and chair of the Water Safety Scotland’s Suicide Prevention Subgroup, said: “Suicide accounts for around 1 in 3 water-related fatalities in Scotland every year. Working to understand and reduce the risks of suicidal behaviour around Scotland’s waterways is important both for suicide prevention policy and for realising the overall aims of Scotland’s Drowning Prevention Strategy.
“Today’s figures are a reminder that it’s vital we continue to work with partners across national and local government, health, emergency and first response services, and the third and voluntary sector to develop knowledge and insight around suicidal behaviour around water-ways, and that we carry on working together to strengthen prevention and intervention.”
