Campaign To Save Lives

Research shows that three quarters of suicides involve men; however the suicide rate in Fife is below the Scottish average.

Figures show that those aged between 30 and 59 are most at risk.

Experts say for each suicide, the impact on those left behind lasts a lifetime. The idea that suicide shouldn't be talked about is a remaining taboo and doesn’t help those grieving or the many people who may be feeling suicidal right now.

Choose Life's 'Read Between the Lines' campaign is tackling this stigma and helping to reduce further unnecessary deaths by raising awareness that if you’re worried about someone, asking directly about their feelings can help save lives. 

The campaign acknowledges that signs of suicide can be ambiguous, but encourages people to be alert to the warning signs and take all signs of distress seriously, even if the person seems to be living a normal life. It also aims to assure 
people that asking a person about what's troubling them can make a positive difference. 

Jo-Anne Valentine, Choose Life Co-ordinator in Fife, said: 

"The 'Read Between the Lines' campaign encourages people to be aware of any signs that someone they know isn't quite themselves or if they notice any changes in that person’s behaviour that causes concern. There's also information on getting help from our partners, Breathing Space and Samaritans."

The campaign targets men and women who are likely to be in greatest contact with people most at risk of suicide.

Campaign posters, information cards with simple 'how to help' steps, and leaflets giving advice on starting conversations about suicide and listening effectively will be displayed at a range of community venues including community centres, GP 
surgeries, pharmacies, work places and local police stations.

Jo-Anne added: 

"Raising awareness of suicide prevention and giving the public information is a vital part of the work of Choose Life. 

"A host of activities are taking place in Fife during Suicide Prevention Week, including information stands at Elmwood campus of the SRUC, Dunfermline and Glenrothes campuses of Fife College, and St Andrews University. 

"Information stands will also be at Housing Strategy consultation events in Dunfermline, Kirkcaldy and Cupar, and materials will be made available at each of the Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival events in Fife in October."

Useful links:

Visit the website for the Main Campign www.chooselife.net/ask

I had a Black Dog, his name was Depression   www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiCrniLQGYc

Living with a Black Dog  www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VRRx7Mtep8

Moodcafe www.moodcafe.co.uk

Keeping Connected Fife https://bitly.com/TxNpFN

Doctor Neil Hamlet is a Consultant in Public Health at NHS Fife.