Be a good sport and raise awareness about suicide
Sign up for virtual event
Wishaw residents are being encouraged to sign up for a new sporting event taking place in April which will help raise awareness about suicide prevention.
The virtual running and cycle event, which has been added to the North Lanarkshire sporting calendar, encourages people to boost their fitness and is open to all ages and abilities.
Last year saw a rise in the number of suicides across the local authority area, with the rate amongst 15 to 24-year-old men in Scotland at its highest since 2007; and the rate among 25 to 34-year-olds at its highest rate since 2013.
There has also been a worrying increase in female suicide rates.
Paul Kelly, Depute Leader of North Lanarkshire Council said: “Through our Suicide Prevention NL campaign, we are trying to reduce the terrible pain caused by suicide in our communities.
“We’re hoping as many people as possible will sign up and take part in this fantastic virtual sporting event and help spread the message about suicide awareness. It is a great opportunity to improve your fitness, have fun competing or challenging friends and family and help raise money for a vital cause.
“We have all felt the strain over the last year with health and wellbeing worries caused by the coronavirus.
“Exercise is a good way of helping both your physical and mental health during this difficult time.”
Participants will complete their chosen running or cycling distance over the event week and will then be sent a medal and t-shirt for taking part.
Those signing up will also receive a “sports goody pack” which includes a bag, snood and water bottle to help with training and information about suicide awareness and prevention.
Runners and cyclists can take part on their own or as part of a team and at a location of their choice.
The event week will begin on Monday, April 19 with sigh ups open now until Sunday, March 21, with a donation from entry fees being made to the Samaritans charity.
For more information or to sign up to take part, visit: northlanarkshire.gov.uk/socialcare-and-health/suicide-prevention-nl/ north-lanarkshires-virtual-runcycleevent-2021