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Suicide Prevention in Scotland. Alana Atkinson Programme Manager. Choose Life National Programme. Choose Life: Dedicated 10 year suicide prevention strategy (2002-2013) Set a clear target: 20% reduction by 2013
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Suicide Prevention in Scotland Alana Atkinson Programme Manager Choose Life National Programme
Choose Life: Dedicated 10 year suicide prevention strategy (2002-2013) • Set a clear target: 20% reduction by 2013 • Calls for broad based collective action and partnership working at national and local level
Suicide in Scotland • Around 2 people per day die by suicide in Scotland* • 746 people died by suicide in 2009* • Scotland’s suicide rate is higher than the rates in most other European countries • Suicide remains the leading cause of mortality in those under the age of 35 years • Around 3 out of 4 suicides* are men • Those in most deprived areas of Scotland still have a suicide risk double that of the Scottish average *deaths by intentional self-harm and events of undetermined intent
Key Elements of the National Programme • National leadership and support • Support for local areas – evaluation, guidance, network events • Training - Range of suicide prevention training courses available: ASIST, SafeTALK; Suicide TALK; STORM • Communications – Media watch, TV ad, radio, online, Suicide Prevention week • Understanding what works – research, evaluation and sharing effective practice • Partnership approach – suicide prevention is everyone’s business
Refreshed Objectives 2010 • Identify & intervene to reduce suicidal behaviour in high risk groups • Develop & implement a co-ordinated approach to reduce suicidal behaviour • Ensure interventions to reduce suicidal behaviour are informed by evidence from research & evaluated appropriately • Provide support to those affected by suicidal behaviour • Provide education & training about suicidal behaviour & promote awareness about the help available • Reduce availability & lethality of methods in suicidal behaviour
High Risk Groups People • Experiencing mental ill health (primarily depression & bipolar disorder) • Misusing substances – especially alcohol • With co-existing mental illness & substance misuse • Who have a history of self-harm or who have attempted suicide • In psychiatric care & those recently discharged • Recently bereaved • Living in areas of socio-economic deprivation • With low socio-economic status • Who are unemployed • Who experienced life stress or trauma – especially physical and/or sexual abuse • Who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender
Suicide & Alcohol – what can we do? • Raise awareness about the risks • Target people in high risk groups & people who work with and support them • Improve co-ordination of interventions • Understand the trends - Scottish Suicide Information Database (ScotSID)
Contact Us National Programme Team • 0141 354 2910 • info@chooselife.net • www.chooselife.net