MSPs welcome decline in South Lanarkshire but warn‘we should never be complacent’
Figures showing a decrease in suicides in South Lanarkshire last year have been welcomed by MSPs.
However, the region’s politicians have said that“we should never be complacent”with suicide prevention and that“one death by suicide is one too many”.
In 2020, 50 people in South Lanarkshire – down by five on 2019 – died by suicide including 37 men and 13 women.
Clydesdale MSP Mairi McAllan welcomed the“small but positive step”, but added that suicide was not inevitable.
She said:“While a small decrease in the number of probable suicides is of course welcome news, every life lost is a tragedy and efforts must continue to help save more lives. My thoughts and condolences go out to every family who has lost a loved one in this way.
“Suicide is preventable. The pandemic has presented new challenges and there are a number of factors behind why someone may take their own life.
“The Scottish Government published its Suicide Prevention Plan in 2018 which aims to further reduce the rate of suicide by 20 per cent by 2022 and follows previous declines between 2002 and 2006 and 2013 to 2017, where the rate of death by suicide in Scotland also fell by 20 per cent.
“We of, course, should never be complacent – every life is precious and the loss is felt deeply by loved ones.
“The latest data published showing a small decline is therefore a small but positive step on this road to ensuring that no death by suicide in Scotland is regarded as inevitable.”
Central Scotland MSP Monica Lennon has called for continued action to ensure the downward trend is not a one-off.
She said:“One death by suicide is one too many. Each loss has a devastating impact on family and friends and bereavement support should always be available to those affected.
“Suicide prevention must continue to be a public health priority, and that’s why I will keep campaigning for more investment in mental health and wellbeing services.
“We can all benefit from more open conversations about mental health and being more aware of the support that already exists. LAMH – Lanarkshire Association for Mental Health, is a fantastic example of a trusted local charity and Samaritans Scotland is available to listen, day or night.
“The Scottish Government must take sustained action on suicide prevention, recognising the range of factors and inequalities that can contribute to suicide risk.”
Stephanie Callaghan, MSP for Uddingston and Bellshill, said there is no one factor that results in suicide and that “suicide should never be about a statistic”.
She said:“Losing a loved one to suicide is traumatic and the ripple effects of that individual loss run wide and long amongst families and friends. My thoughts today and every day are with those who are mourning such a loss. From the outset, I want to remind every family impacted by suicide that no one is to blame.
“While there are many reasons why someone takes their own life, it is my firmly held belief that most suicides are preventable. But to save lives, we need services in place to identify when a
Behind every statistic is someone who was loved and families grieving
person is in crisis and respond with appropriate, person specific support.
“Moving forward, with flexible, targeted investment and support we can and will save lives. It is why I welcome the Scottish Government’s additional funding for mental health services. More widely, however, we also must continue to focus on tackling poverty, as we know suicide is more prevalent in our most deprived communities.
“While suicide should never be about a statistic, the numbers continue to show younger men are most likely to end their own lives.
“We must do more to understand why this is the case and ensure our mental health interventions and wider public health measures respond to this longstanding trend.
“Locally, staff from the NHS Lanarkshire, North and South Lanarkshire Councils and partner agencies staff work together to assess suicide risk and coordinate treatment pathways.
“I would like to pay tribute to all those involved in helping people in their most vulnerable moments.
“Everyone across Lanarkshire needs to know that if you are in mental distress help is out there. Please reach out and talk to someone, call NHS24, contact your GP or go on line to visit the
Samaritans and Breathing Space websites.”
Rutherglen MSP Clare Haughey, a former mental health nurse, said everything possible should be done to tackle suicide.
She said:“Whilst there has been a small decrease in the number of probable suicides over last year, it is still devastating to see the numbers of people taking their lives. Behind every statistic is someone who was loved, and families left grieving.
“As a mental health nurse with over 30 years’experience, mental health has been something I’ve been involved in during my time as an MSP, and there is a wide-range of work being undertaken by government and partners.
“Next year, investment in mental health will total over £1.1 billion and the Scottish Government will continue taking steps to improve mental health services and support for children, young people and adults, including CAMHS.
“Sadly, the pandemic has taken a huge toll on mental health, so we must do all we can to support those in need.”
MSP for East Kilbride Collette Stevenson added:“Whilst the number of deaths is down both across Lanarkshire and across the country, every death by suicide is a tragedy for the family and friends of those affected.
“There is no single reason why someone takes their own life and there are a number of factors which contribute to a risk of suicide. I understand the next update on the Scottish Government’s health tracker is due to be published soon, which will give a clearer picture of people’s mental health during the pandemic as we don’t yet understand the impact the past 18 months has had on people.”
Christina McKelvie, MSP for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse, said:“While I welcome the reduction in the number of suicides in South Lanarkshire, every life lost to suicide is a tragedy and has devastating impacts on families, loved ones and communities.
“Myself and the SNP remain committed to improving mental health services. During the election we committed to increasing direct investment in mental health by at least 25 per cent, with a view to having 10 per cent of our frontline NHS budget dedicated to mental health services.
“The Scottish Government will also build on the success of the community link worker programme to ensure every GP practice has access to a mental wellbeing link worker. These 1,000 additional workers will focus on growing community mental health resilience by working with organisations across the country and help direct social prescribing.
“I would like to extend my thanks to NHS mental health workers, community activists and countless others who have worked hard to support those living with mental health problems in what has been an incredibly tough year for everyone.”