Samaritans Scotland

The Highlands region recorded the second highest number of possible suicides between 2017 and 2021, according to data from the National Records of Scotland. Samaritans Scotland’s dedicated West Highlands and Skye project aims to raise awareness of Samaritans services by engaging with local communities, employers and organisations to ensure that everyone is aware that help and support is available - wherever they are in the area.

As part of that work, we are offering ‘Conversations with Vulnerable People’ oneday training course (online or in-person) to employers throughout the region. The course equips staff with the skills and confidence to support someone who may be vulnerable.

Project manager, Fiona Thompson, said: “We know that issues of isolation, access to health services and stigma can often make seeking help and support challenging in a rural area. Our 24-hour helpline and email service can help, whatever someone is going through, at any time.

“Our ‘Conversations with Vulnerable People’ training is an excellent way for employers throughout the West Highlands and Skye to help their staff to support someone who is vulnerable – be that a colleague, client or customer.”

Every 10 seconds, a Samaritans volunteer will answer a call for help from someone who may be considering taking their own life. Samaritans Scotland has 19 branches spread across the country. Our volunteers are at the other end of the phone 24/7, 365-days-a-year, ready to listen.

For employer and community training enquiries please contact Fiona Thompson, West Highlands and Skye Project Manager, f.thompson1@samaritans.org.

More information can also be found at www.samaritans.org/highlands-training