MSP backs measures to tackle suicide
Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse MSP Christina Mckelvie has welcomed a range of new measures aimed at tackling suicide.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon pledged over £250 million to reform mental health support and treatment for adults and children within the recentlyannounced Programme for Government.
The funding will include delivering 430 new school, college and university counsellors, and fast-track specialist treatment systems for those with serious mental illness.
On World Suicide Prevention Day (Monday, September 10), Ms Mckelvie encouraged constituents to be ALERT – Ask about suicide, Listen, Encourage help, Right now, Tell someone.
She said:“the Scottish Government believes that no death by suicide should be regarded as either acceptable or inevitable.
“World Suicide Prevention Day allows us to take stock of the work we have achieved to reduce suicide in Scotland – a 20 per cent drop between 20022006 and 2013-2017 – but we know we can do more.
“That is why we have published Scotland’s Suicide Prevention Action Plan‘every Life Matters’, with a clear aim to reduce suicides in Scotland by 20 per cent by 2022.”
And Ms Mckelvie, who is also Minister for Older People and Equalities, added: “I am also encouraging all my constituents to be ALERT – to ask, listen and encourage those at risk of suicide to get immediate help and tell someone how they’re feeling.
“Opening up the conversation around suicide is absolutely vital in defeating suicide and mental health stigma and in saving the lives of my constituents.
“If anyone needs help or support, you can call Samaritans on 116 123 or on Breathing Space 0800 83 85 87.”