"Communication can be the beginning of bringing someone out of the dark and into the light, a chink of hope when they are at the end of their tether,' explained John Burnside, chairman of the Inverness Suicide Awareness Group (SAG).

SAG has been running for two years now, and John and the charity's 11 other members all feel strongly about the need for the voluntary listening service they provide. Why?

Because they all have lost someone dear to them to suicide, and they understand the enormous pain and confusion brought by such a loss.

The group has come a long way in its short existence, and has developed the role it can play in preventing people from taking their lives, as well as supporting those who have lost loved ones.

However, it is in need of more volunteers willing to help. At present only three of the SAG's 12 members are in a position to assist in the charity's office in Albyn House, at 37 Union Street.

"We have a 24-hour helpline, but our office is open weekdays from 10am and 3.30pm and it is important someone is there so people feel they can just walk in for a chat and a coffee,' said John (59), whose son Richard took his own life two years ago at the age of 36.

"Our message is quite simple - if you are feeling suicidal, please talk to someone. It really does help."

The Highland and Islands has one of the highest suicide rates in the country, particularly among young men. In 2004, there were 48 recorded suicides in the area.

In the last few years the suicide rate in Scotland and Ireland has risen, while dropping in England.

SAG recently met with a similar support group from Middleton, County Cork, where the population is just 11,000, and suicides, often involving young men, are running at almost one every four weeks.

SAG has been working with Highland schoolchildren, encouraging them to talk to others about their problems if they are feeling really low.

John said: "One of the biggest steps forward for us has been our work with churches and ministers to try and remove the stigma attached to suicide.

"Religion has tended to look upon suicide as taboo, and a subject not to be discussed.

Unfortunately, that attitude can lead to people who are suicidal being reluctant to tell anyone how desperate they feel."

Joyce MacRae, the group coordinator, who lost her husband Stephen (57) two years ago, said: "I'd be the first to admit that I had no real understanding about the issues surrounding depression and suicidal thoughts until after he took his life without any warning.

"I hadn't seen any indication of how he was feeling, and he never talked about it. For me, his death came totally out the blue.

"It is important for us to encourage people to feel free to express themselves.

"We are here simply to listen and to try and guide people on to the next step where they may receive professional help."

John added: "Our role is necessary because mental health is the poor relation of the NHS and grossly underfunded.

People need to know there is somewhere they can go when other doors appear closed or access to treatment is limited."

Anyone who is having suicidal thoughts, or suspects that someone might be contemplating suicide, or would simply like to receive more information on the subject, can call the Suicide Awareness Group 24hour helpline number, 01463 237314, or pop into the city centre office at Albyn House, 37a Union Street, IV1 1PP.

g.crawford@highland-news.co.uk

Printer friendly version

Email this article to a friend

Bookmark this

---