Harsh reality

International recognition

The founder of Chris’s House has been recognised for her sterling work by a renowned overseas organisation which specialises in suicide awareness training.

Anne Rowan was awarded the Livingworks Certificate of Recognition after being nominated by volunteer Alice Mcinally for her tireless efforts.

The Wishaw woman opened Chris’s House four years ago following the death of her son Christopher.

Her aim was to raise awareness and encourage people to talk about suicide.

The centre was Scotland’s first 24-hour non-medical crisis centre Scottish stats:

5,286 suicides between 2011 and 2017 73 per cent were men The same percentage didn’t have a partner

Two-thirds were in employment at the time of their deaths

Almost half were 35 to 54 years old

3,560 suicides during the last five years

784 suicides in Scotland during 2018

Almost 15 per cent rise from 680 in 2017

The suicide rate among under-25s is at its highest level in over a decade. and offers integrated support.

Nominating Anne for the award from the organisation which has bases in Canada and the United States, Alice said: “If you spoke to Anne she would describe herself as just a mummy — a mummy who has lost her son and doesn’t ever want anybody else to go through that pain and that distress that her son had to go through, and that she went through following his death. She never takes any credit and literally works 24/7. Anne is absolutely outstanding. We all think of her as a living day saint because she just gives of herself so much and the fact that she’s never lost her spark or her humour.”