SUICIDE is one of the main causes of death among young people - however, every life lost in such circumstances is a tragedy regardless of the person’s age.

One suicide represents lost life, talent, a family member and a wound that doesn’t easily heal in those left behind.

East Ayrshire Council’s Lifestyle Development and Community Wellbeing team will be proactive during Suicide Prevention Week, from Monday, September 10 to the following Sunday. Their message will be Suicide – don’t hide it, talk about it. People attempt suicide for a wide range of reasons and can include a major life change, a loss or bereavement or long-term factors like abuse or illness.

Suicide can be preventable and anyone can help by acting on the signs that they may see in others. Openly discussing someone’s thoughts of suicide and allowing them to talk about how they feel can be a source of relief for them, and can be key to preventing the immediate danger of suicide.

A spokeswoman for the council said: “It is important that if you are faced with a situation like this that you also receive support, and there are numerous organisations that can help with this, such as Breathing Space and the Samaritans.

“Our Community Health Improvement Partnership (CHIP) team are also involved with delivering safeTALK, which is a training course that prepares anyone over the age of 15 years to identify persons with thoughts of suicide and connect them to suicide first aid resources.”

Most people with thoughts of suicide invite help to stay safe. Alert helpers know how to use these opportunities to support that desire for safety.

Councillor Elena Whitham added: “I wholeheartedly support the ‘read between the lines’ message being promoted and supported by the Lifestyle Development and Community Wellbeing team during Suicide Awareness Week.

“Any life lost to suicide is an unbearable tragedy. I have lost both a family member and a best friend to suicide, and I am acutely aware of the devastating effect suicide can have on those left behind.

“In East Ayrshire we are committed to raising awareness of suicide and encouraging people to talk openly about their feelings, this is often the first step to staying safe. “There is also a clear link between physical activity and good mental health. Evidence suggests that physical activity makes people feel better, through improvements in mood and positive changes in self-image.

“Pop onto the CHIP Van during September to receive a free health check and find out a bit more, or you can phone the team on 01563 576398.”

For more information on safeTALK training please contact Faye Forsyth on 01563 576398 To speak to someone about your own feelings or if you are worried about someone else please contact Breathing Space or the Samaritans.