The rate of suicides in Perth and Kinross is accelerating, a local campaigner fears.
Tracy Swan held her annual Lighten up the Darkness walk in the early hours of Saturday morning to raise awareness of suicide, and remember those who have taken their own lives.
Around 75 people attended the 4am event, which saw the group walk from the South Inch and around the North Inch, stopping to light candles as they went.
Tracy, who lost her own daughter Jodie McNab in 2013, said that there were 16 deaths in 2016, with a further six so far this year — and believes that moving the crisis centre to Carseview in Dundee from Murray Royal will only exacerbate the situation.
She has set up a charity Lighthouse for Perth, which aims to provide a safe space for those at risk of suicide and self-harm and is currently trying to secure funding.
She said: “There were 16 suicides last year, that I know of, and so far this year there has been six – I’m not seeing any change and, in fact, I think it’s getting worse. Since February there has been three – which for Perth is quite a lot, because it’s not a big place.
“I think social media plays a big part, with bullying, and generally the stress of life now.
“We are still battering away with The Lighthouse for Perth, trying to get the bigger funding to get it up and running.
“In Glasgow Chris’ House has the support of the council and councillors, but up here it’s a taboo, there’s not the same support, but we really need that place of safety for people to go to before it gets too bad. It certainly doesn’t help that the crisis response team has been moved to Carseview.
“I think the Lighthouse is the way forward for Perth, and we hope to get that up and running this year.”
