A BID to stop suicides leading to further tragedy among those left to grieve was launched in Perth yesterday.
Figures show an average of two people a day kill themselves in Scotland.
They leave behind at least another four whose intense sorrow could place them at increased risk of suicide as well.
Scottish Government initiative, Choose Life, launched a pair of support tools at Perth Concert Hall.
‘Supporting people bereaved by suicide: a good practice guide’ gives guidance on helping those left bereaved.
And a complementary training course developed in collaboration with Cruse Bereavement Care Scotland More questions than answers is a further aid to frontline staff.
Alana Atkinson, Choose Life programme manager, said: “Bereavement support is an integral part of a suicide prevention programme.
“Choose Life’s national guidance provides a framework for intervention, promotes the training to help staff become more effective in their role, and underlines the importance of encouraging staff to use internal and external support to help manage the impact of being exposed to suicide.”
Stewart Wilson, executive director of Cruse Bereavement Care Scotland, said: “Nothing can prepare someone for the news that someone close has taken their own life. They may experience strong and powerful feelings that give potential for social isolation, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and alcohol or drug misuse, which can increase their risk of suicide.
“It’s crucial for services coming into contact with bereaved families to be mindful of these feelings and to know about the different sources of help and information families may need to be directed to.”
Public Health Minister Michael Matheson said: “While preventing suicide is a priority, we must support the staff who come into close contact with people who have recently been bereaved by suicide.
“So I welcome NHS Health Scotland’s good practice guide which provides a practical, positive approach to helping those families sadly affected by suicide.”
arichardson@thecourier.co.uk