We’re on the ball to prevent suicide
Lanarkshire suicide prevention organisations have teamed up with local authorities and the NHS for an awareness-raising sevena-side football tournament.
Organisers of the sporting event, to be held from 9.15am to 3pm on Wednesday, October 20, at Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility, are appealing for teams to enter in exchange for a £10 donation to charity.
Earlier this month, Lanarkshire Samaritans marked World Suicide Prevention Day by encouraging local people to talk to each other and share the things in life that give them hope.
Lanarkshire Samaritans also joined forces with Suicide Prevention North Lanarkshire recently to promote suicide awareness at a golf tournament at Palacerigg Golf Course.
In another reminder that no-one has to struggle alone because help and support is available, Suicide Prevention North Lanarkshire and Suicide Prevention South Lanarkshire have come together with North and South Lanarkshire
Councils and NHS Lanarkshire for the football tournament.
The seven-a-side event is supported by Hamilton-based Lanarkshire Samaritans, who have created several new resources, including suggested activities, useful tips, and a mood-boosting playlist.
This comes as new figures show that the number of people who have taken their own lives in Lanarkshire remained static in 2020.
Figures published by National Records of Scotland revealed that there were 112 probable suicides in the region last year.
Of these deaths, 79 were among men and 33 were among women.
The overall suicide rate across Lanarkshire was 14.6 deaths per 100,000 over the last five years.
Willie Kerr, branch director at Lanarkshire Samaritans said: “The pandemic’s challenges are continuing and won’t immediately ease off with restrictions lifting. Therefore, it’s vitally important we do everything we can to help anyone who needs support.
“Taking the time to enjoy your favourite activities, whatever they are – something easy and every day, or something more strenuous or creative – can be great ways to spread hope and look after your mental wellbeing.
“Whether it’s a group activity or something you can do in your own time, sharing ideas about what you turn to when you’re feeling low is a simple yet effective way to help friends and family who are struggling. You don’t have to be an expert to make a difference, and potentially save someone’s life.”
To register to take part in the football tournament, email the name of both the captain and team to football@northlan.gov.uk
Anyone can contact Samaritans, free, 24/7, 365 days a year, on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org