Focus will be on cutting suicides
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THE Highland League will be getting behind Suicide Prevention Week at the Aberdeenshire Cup Final between Deveronvale and Keith at Christie Park, Huntly on Saturday by encouraging their supporters to tackle the stigma which surrounds suicide.
Linda Paterson, Choose Life co-ordinator Aberdeenshire, said: "Many people are scared of the subject of suicide, yet research shows that for suicidal people talking about their thoughts can be enough to stop them acting on them.
"For those who are concerned that someone they know might be thinking about suicide, asking them directly can be the best way to help them talk about it.
"To help get this message across, Huntly FC will be promoting the campaign and distributing wallet cards with helpline numbers on them at Saturday’s cup final."
Every day, around two people in Scotland take their own lives and it is the leading cause of death for young people. Last year, 32 people in Aberdeenshire died by suicide. The effects of someone dying by suicide on families, friends, partners, carers, and often whole communities can be devastating.
Ms Paterson, added: "It’s important that if you are worried someone you know might be having thoughts of suicide, you ask them about it. Mentioning suicide isn’t going to put the idea in their head if it wasn’t there before; and if it was, they are usually relieved that someone else has broached the subject.
Fear of how others might react can often prevent people from talking about their suicidal feelings. Suicide can affect anyone and we need to be able to talk about it openly and honestly if we are going to tackle it effectively."
Anyone feeling suicidal or who suspects that someone they know is considering suicide, can contact Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 (24 hours) or Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87 (Mon-Thurs, 6pm-2am; weekends Fri 6pm-Mon 6am).
