Suicide awareness gathering

Monklands participants were among the 500 people who braved the rain and wind at Strathclyde Park for the annual Let’s Walk About Suicide event.

The event, organised by Family and Friends Against Murder Suicide (FAMS), was opened by Councillor Pat O’Rourke, convenor of the social work sub committee, and South Lanarkshire councillor Maureen Chalmers.

More than 20 charities and organisations, including suicide prevention groups and the emergency services, participated, making it the largest event of its kind in Lanarkshire.

It aimed to raise awareness of suicide and suicidal behaviours, while offering support to those bereaved by suicide.

Ann Marie Cocozza, FAMS co-founder and volunteer, said:“Suicide is a family affair, in that it affects everyone in the family, irrespective of age.

“Our event allowed the opportunity for siblings, children, partners etc, who have been affected by suicide or suicidal behaviours to come together and see that they are not alone.

“It’s also the reason why the event was free, to ensure that it was inclusive to all.

“FAMS insist that all families and their friends affected by suicide or suicidal behaviours should not have to even consider the costs of attending.

“A massive thank you to everyone that attended for helping to make the event such a success.”

For more information on FAMS, visit http://fams.chat/