Samaritans: We’re here for you

Samaritans are reminding Lanarkshire residents they are here for people experiencing crisis and distress.

The message comes after new figures revealed 112 people took their own life in the county last year.

Based in Hamilton, the charity provides free anonymous and confidential emotional support for anyone in Lanarkshire all year round.

Willie Kerr, director of the Hamilton branch, said:“every single one of these deaths represents a devastating loss with far-reaching consequences for family, friends and communities.

“These figures are a powerful reminder of why it’s so important that policy-makers, services, third sector and community groups renew and redouble their efforts to strengthen suicide prevention. As a local branch, supporting people across North and South Lanarkshire, we’re continuing to work with local government, healthcare and education services to support prevention and ensure more people can get the right support at the right time.”

The executive director of Samaritans Scotland, Rachel Cackett, added:“it is important to recognise this data only covers 2019 and it is still too early to know what the long-term impact of the coronavirus pandemic will be on mental health and wellbeing.”

Samaritans provides free anonymous and confidential emotional support for people experiencing crisis and distress, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Contact them by phone on 116 123 or by email jo@samaritans.org