Samaritans say everyone should play a bigger role in preventing tragedies

● People in deprived areas at triple risk of taking their own lives

People living in Scotland’s most deprived areas are three times more likely to take their own lives than those elsewhere a report released today reveals.

The Samaritans, who compiled the Dying of Inequality report, are calling for the first time on the government, businesses, industry and workplaces to be “pro-active” and aware of suicide risks and to target resources on those in insecure housing, on low incomes or debt.

Latest figures for Scotland reveal suicide rate is three times higher in the most deprived tenth of the population compared to the least deprived tenth. This resulted in 22.1 deaths per 100,000 compared to 7.3.

In 2015, 672 people took their own lives in Scotland.

James Jopling, executive director for Samaritans in Scotland, said the report was a call for individuals and organisations to take action to help prevent future tragedies.

“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.”

The charity has made its helpline free and is campaigning for the Scottish Government to recognise the importance of suicide prevention work with local communities.

Monica Lennon, Labour MSP for Central Scotland, said: “The Samaritans’ report is a wake-up call to politicians to stop indulging in warm words.

“Living in poverty shouldn’t mean losing your life yet the rate of suicide is three-times higher in Scotland’s most deprived communities. Death by suicide is the biggest killer of men under 50, a shameful fact that isn’t discussed enough in the Scottish Parliament.

“The lorry-load of Scottish Government strategies, reviews and consultations characterising the SNPS time in office is no substitute for action and resources.

“Helping to prevent suicide and destigmatising poverty is everyone’s business but the Scottish Government must lead by example.”

She con cluded: “SNP ministers allowed the Suicide Prevention Strategy to expire last year and have parked its replacement while they focus on the delayed Mental Health Strategy.”

“The report is a wakeup call to politicians. living in poverty shouldn’t mean losing your life.”

MONICA LENNON MSP