Let’s Continue the Conversation…

We have experienced time and time again at Excluded Scotland, over the past five years, conversations are not always meaningful. There have been so many hot air blowers and kudos seekers;- jumping on the campaign bandwagon with so little tangible action. We know only too well the detriment false hope brings with it.

It is so refreshing when through all the noise and chaos something honest and practical happens as it did on Tuesday in North Kessock.  We participated in a ground breaking, first of its kind event, held just a short distance the Kessock Bridge from where so many struggling people have died by suicide or attempted to take their own live. Highland has the highest rate of suicide across Scotland, change is so desperately needed. Outward looking foresight, brought together organisations and community  impacted by suicide directly and indirectly with the aim of bringing about positive change and importantly trying to irradicate the stigma attached to death by suicide.

Our thanks to Jenny Valentine, Police Scotland, and Chair of the Highland Suicide Prevention Steering Group, Emily Stokes CEO of Mikeysline, Patrick Mullery of James Support Group and everyone involved in bringing together;-
Mikeysline, Cruse Scotland, Prevent Suicide Highland, Samaritans, Change Mental Health, Police Scotland Highland & Islands, James Support Group 

For those bereaved by suicide;- recently or a long time ago there is currently, fully funded, counselling available in Highland for people all ages with Cruse Scotland. We are incredibly thankful that this counselling is available immediately, people can self refer themselves too. This is of course hugely important because as we know those grieving need to be able to get help and support when THEY feel they need it, when THEY are ready.

Please reach out if we can help, opening a conversation can be hard, the words might not be there initially, years may have passed and one day something maybe a catalytic trigger which opens up deeply buried memories and the desire to talk.