We need to act now to help turn the tide of suicides
A Hamilton-based charity are urging residents to sign a petition aimed at turning the tide of suicides engulfing young Scots.
As horrifying figures reveal that suicide rates among young people have almost doubled, FAMS ((Families & Friends Against Murder & Suicide) have united with two other charities in a crusade to see better mental health services rolled out in high schools across Scotland.
They are all calling for support for a “Give Youth a Chance” petition, recently published by the Scottish Parliament, with pleas for suicide prevention and mental health programmes to become mandatory in schools.
The move, which is backed by our sister paper the Daily Record, would see a free programme focus on early intervention for teenagers in crisis.
Ann Marie Cocozza of FAMS lodged the petition with the help of Hamilton MSP Christina Mckelvie.
She said: “It’s well known that adverse childhood experiences manifest themselves during secondary school years, so we believe that’s the best time to stop it. We know there are often counsellors in schools, but we’ve seen time and time again that schoolchildren don’t want to see a counsellor because there is a stigma and confidentiality issues attached.
“We believe the Government can bring in a new and radical programme, which is cheap to roll out as charities like us are all willing to lend our support.
“It doesn’t need to take years to implement and cost the earth. We need to act now.
“The cost of these young people turning to alcohol or drugs, having chaotic lifestyles or developing serious mental health problems down the line will be far greater.”
Ms Mckelvie, SNP MSP for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse, said it was an “absolute privilege” to support the work of the campaigners.
She said: “Their drive to turn the grief and heartbreak of loss into something positive is hugely inspiring and has been an absolute lifeline to countless people, including many in my own constituency.”
The Scottish Government said it acknowledged the petition.
A spokesman said: “Mental health is one of our absolute priorities and we want every child and young person to have appropriate access to emotional and mental well-being support in school.”
He said the Government had an ambitious 10-year strategy to improve early mental healthintervention and make services better and more accessible. It was also investing in counselling in schools, colleges and universities, with counsellors available through schools in the next academic year, and had invested an extra £3million in a new Suicide Prevention Action Plan, to be led by the National Suicide Prevention Leadership Group.
■ To sign the petition before it closes on July 30, visit http:// external.parliament.scot/ gettinginvolved/petitions/ PE01700-PE01799/PE01725_ Backgroundinfo.aspx