Suicide training ‘a must’ for foodbank volunteers
VOLUNTEERS in foodbanks should be trained to help people who may be suicidal, according to Samaritans Scotland, as a report revealed that people in deprived areas are three times as likely to take their own lives as those in affluent ones.
In 2015, 672 people took their own lives in Scotland, but there were 22.1 deaths for every 100,000 people in the most deprived 10 per cent of the population, compared with 7.3 in the least deprived.
In the report Dying from Inequality, Samaritans says there is a clear risk to communities where businesses are closing and downsizing, jobs are low-skilled, low paid or insecure and more people face unmanageable debt, poor housing or poverty.
The report says staff in food banks should receive specialist training in recognising, understanding and responding compassionately to individuals who are in distress and may be suicidal. So should job centre staff, it says.
James Jopling, executive director for Samaritans in Scotland, said much had been achieved by working to raise awareness among NHS staff, but added: “Other organisations are dealing with people who are economically disadvantaged – and the interactions they have at crucial times could make the difference.”
He added: “Everyone can feel overwhelmed at times in their life. Those who are at risk of suicide are people that have employers, who seek help at job centres, go to their GP, people that come into contact with national and local government agencies, perhaps on a daily basis.
“So in the light of this report we are asking key people and organisations from across society in Scotland to take action to make sure their service, their organisation, their community are doing all they can to promote mental health and prevent the tragedy of suicide.”
However, he called for a new suicide prevention strategy as the existing one has expired.
When a new one is drawn up by the Scottish Government, it should cover all areas but target those where it can be most effective, he said.
In Inverclyde, which has the highest suicide rate of any local authority in Scotland, the local Samaritans branch attend homeless lunches, providing support to the most vulnerable in the community often with complex needs.
Frances Sweeney, director of Inverclyde Samaritans, said: “It is a very humbling experience and the trust the people have in us is incredible.”
Samaritans said it would be leading discussions with agencies in Scotland who can influence change in the key areas highlighted, to try to ensure that fewer people die by suicide.