Suicide Prevention Week

Dundee has thrown its weight behind an international campaign which aims to raise awareness of how we can all work together to reduce the number of people who take their own lives.

Monday (September 9) sees the start of Suicide Prevention Week and agencies across the city have come together as part of efforts to try to reduce the death toll.

Statistics for probable deaths by suicide in 2023 across Scotland showed a total of 792, an increase of 30 on the previous year. Over the same period in Dundee, 30 people died by probable suicide, up one on 2021.

Suicide rates for men are three times as high as women, and rates are over three times higher in the most deprived compared to least deprived areas.

World Suicide Prevention Day falls on September 10 and activities during the week will focus on this year’s theme of changing the narrative.

In Dundee people will be asked to Stop. Ask. Listen to start a conversation that could save a life.

A number of events are scheduled to take place during the week including an information stall at Overgate on Monday and Asda West on Friday 13th.

World Suicide Prevention Day was established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention in conjunction with the World Health Organisation (WHO). The annual date aims to focus attention on the issue, reduce stigma and raise awareness among organisations, governments and the public, highlighting the message that suicide are preventable.

More information and support contacts are available at www.dundeeprotects.co.uk/suicide