BEREAVED families need a dedicated service to aid them in the wake of a suicide, a leading charity claims.
On average, two Scots die through suicide every day, with those in the most deprived areas two and a half times as likely to end their lives than residents of the wealthiest postcodes.
Mental Health Foundation (MHF) Scotland will today launch a campaign to “put suicide prevention back on the political agenda”.
READ MORE: One in nine young Scots has attempted suicide
The organisation wants ministers to bring in a “radical redesign” of the current framework, including the introduction of compulsory training for job centre and health staff to spot those at risk.
The body is also calling for a new national body to spearhead efforts, action to tackle the social inequalities that “often form the root causes of suicide” and a dedicated service to aid the loved ones left behind.
The push coincides with a meeting of Holyrood’s Health and Sport Committee today as it continues its enquiry into suicide prevention.
In a submission to the panel, MHF Scotland says “very little support” is available to bereaved families even though research suggests this group is “at greater risk of suicide” as a result of their experiences. This can include being first on the scene in the event of a suicide.
Tony Giugliano of MHF Scotland wrote: “There should be a concerted effort to support family members in the aftermath of a suicide, as well as first responders, who are often close relatives or friends of the deceased. Such individuals often struggle to cope with the trauma of the bereavement and are themselves at a higher risk of suicide. A recent survey of bereaved young adults who lost a friend or relative by suicide found that 20% had received no mental health support. This has to change.
“Families have told the foundation that very little support is available in the aftermath of a suicide, such as liaising with the coroner. Research suggests that families and close friends affected by suicide are at greater risk of suicide themselves and the foundation believes that they should receive support as a matter of priority.”
In March, the Scottish Government pledged to develop a “new, world-leading, comprehensive mental health and suicide prevention training programme”. Mental Health Minister Maureen Watt said: “While the suicide rate in Scotland has fallen over the past decade, I want us to go further to prevent deaths.”
The MHF Scotland campaign is backed by Seonaid Stallan, who lost her 18-year-old son Dylan and sister-in-law Vanessa to suicide two years ago. She said: “We were on our own.
“There is no manual to guide you through what to do next. There was no offer of support from police or health professionals.
“It was left to our devastated friends and family to try and support us emotionally and practically through the next few days and weeks: mortuary visits, postmortem, funeral preparations,” she added.
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