Scottish Government: Suicide Prevention Strategy 2013 - 2016

Annex 1

Sources of support

If you - or someone you know - experience suicidal feelings or you/they are considering self-harming, you/they should speak to a GP. GPs are well placed to advise and guide you regarding appropriate treatment or management of symptoms. If you are ill and feel it can't wait until your GP surgery re-opens you can call NHS 24 on 08454 24 24 24. Please note this telephone service is not free.

It is also recommended that you speak - in confidence if need be - with any friends or family with whom you feel comfortable talking about the issues you are experiencing. If you do not feel comfortable doing this with friends or family, you can obtain confidential telephone support from the following sources:

• Samaritans provide confidential non-judgemental emotional support, 24 hours a day, for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair. You can contact them on 08457 90 90 90. NB this telephone service is not free. You can find more information about Samaritans at www.samaritans.org
• Breathing Space offers free and confidential advice for people experiencing low mood, depression or anxiety, whatever the cause. This service can be contacted on 0800 83 85 87, 6pm to 2am Monday to Thursday; and 6pm Friday through the weekend to 6am Monday. Calls to Breathing Space are free from landlines and from most mobile networks. www.breathingspacescotland.co.uk provides a wide range of useful information and advice about coping with low mood, depression and anxiety.

If you ever feel actively suicidal and have the means to carry this through, you should dial 999 and ask for an ambulance.

If you have been bereaved through suicide you may find the booklet After a Suicide a useful source of help and advice. Published by the Scottish Association for Mental Health, it is available at http://www.samh.org.uk/media/125564/after_a_suicide.pdf

Cruse Bereavement Care Scotland can provide support to people who are experiencing difficulties coping with the death of a family member or friend - including instances where a person has died by suicide. They can help people through one-to-one counselling sessions which can enable people to work through grief. Cruse can be contacted on 0845 600 2227 or via email: info@crusescotland.org.uk. See also www.crusescotland.org.uk