Disability & Wellbeing ServiceSuicide Safer Strathclyde

On average, two people die from suicide in Scotland every day.

That is more than a number. That is family. That is friends. That is colleagues.

The prevention of suicide is a national and local priority in Scotland. Scotland has had a national suicide prevention strategy since 2002. There has been a 20% reduction in the suicide rate in Scotland between 2002 to 2006 to 2013 to 2017.

The Scottish Government Suicide has published a prevention action plan: Every Life Matters. It sets out 10 key actions with the aim of reducing suicides in Scotland by a further 20%.

The art of conversation

Choose Life (Suicide Prevention Scotland) has published "The Art of Conversation: A guide to talking, listening and reducing stigma surrounding suicide (pdf)." 

The Art of conversation includes sections on the myths and the signs of suicide. It gives advice on starting difficult conversations and helps the reader to become a good listener. The document provides information on training courses. It also includes other available resources that are in place across Scotland and the rest of the UK.

Training

There are many Suicide Awareness and Suicide Prevention training opportunities within the University of Strathclyde. Staff and students within the University are able to book Mental Health First Aid, ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training), and Safetalk courses through the Strathclyde Development and Training System. You can find out more information on training opportunities and links to book the courses on our Bookable Wellbeing Programmes and training webpage. 

Are you feeling suicidal or worried about someone else?

Do not try to cope alone. Call a helpline or speak to someone you trust. Help is at hand through many of the support services listed on NHS Inform: surviving suicidal thoughts.

Contact your GP urgently should you consider yourself to be at risk, or require medical treatment.

If you feel that you need help now, please contact your GP. 

Your GP can provide further assessment of your symptoms, discuss treatment options and refer you to Specialist Services. If your GP is closed, their answerphone will direct you to the appropriate support service. Or you can call NHS 24 on 111.

If it's an emergency situation, the following Emergency Services are available:

• Campus Security via calling +44 (0)141 548 2222
• Emergency Services via calling 999
• The Accident and Emergency Service nearest to the University is the Glasgow Royal Infirmary in Castle Street, Glasgow G4
• Call NHS 24 on 111 for Health Information and Self Care Advice

If you need to talk to someone, below is a list of supports that are available:

• Get in touch with Samaritans on 116 123 or email  jo@samaritans.org anytime
• Call Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87 (all weekend and Monday to Friday 6pm to 2am)
• Telephone Nightline on 0141 334 9516 (for students and staffed by local student volunteers) for someone to talk to, they will often be able to help with general information questions (7pm to 7am, Monday to Friday during term time)
• it may also be helpful for you to talk to a friend or family member