Could you add your voice to panel?

People from Monklands with lived experience of suicide are being urged to apply to take part in a new suicide prevention panel.

The panel will provide a platform for people with experience of suicide to share their valuable insights with the Scottish Government.

Those who have previously attempted suicide, experienced suicidal thoughts, or have lost a loved one to suicide are encouraged to apply.

The Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) is working with the Scottish Government and partners Support in Mind, Penumbra and Samaritans Scotland to create the panel.

Billy Watson, chief executive of SAMH, said:“SAMH has a long history of supporting people and families affected by suicide.

“We’ve campaigned vigorously to ensure anyone affected by suicide can get effective support now and in the future, and we believe that services which are shaped by the people who use them will deliver the best results; that’s why we’re so pleased to be supporting the development of a lived experience panel.

“It’s a great opportunity for people who want to help make a difference to thousands of people’s lives. The panel should be a true representation of our society.”

Public health minister Joe FitzPatrick added:“Putting people who have been affected by suicide at the centre of our work is key to reducing further deaths by suicide.

“The new lived experience panel will have a pivotal role in shaping and informing our suicide prevention action plan.”

To find out more about the role, and to apply, visit www.samh.org. uk/information/work-with-us.