Hansard

I am grateful to members who have shared their knowledge on the subject but, like Nanette Milne, I, too, am not content that we need to discuss this issue and recognise that we do so with great sadness. It would be far better if we as a nation did not have to face the on-going experience of suicide as has been described. In that sense, we face a tremendous battle.

It has been alluded to that we have faced nearly 4,000 such deaths in Scotland over the past five years. I am sure that each of those deaths has left behind heartbreak and a legacy for those who have been involved. In that context, I welcome what the minister said and the strategy that has been outlined in “Suicide Prevention Strategy 2013-2016”.

The introduction to “Suicide Prevention Strategy 2013-2016” lays out definitions of self-harm, suicidal behaviour and suicide. Members’ experiences and observations identify that among the priorities that we face is focusing on the early signs of behaviours that could eventually lead to suicide or an attempt at suicide. Those who have engaged in self-harm and suicidal behaviour deserve our support at an early stage, and there should be early intervention of some value if we are to go further in reducing the suicide rate.

I think that we all accept that it is not only suicides themselves who are the focus of our concerns. Around every such event, families and friends are left to question how it occurred, and our society is left bereft of the contribution that could otherwise have been made. Indeed, in many circumstances, witnesses are left behind devastated by the experience.

Many statistics have rightly been mentioned. Almost every day somewhere in the United Kingdom, someone steps on to a railway line and commits suicide. That has an obvious impact on not only their family and friends but the poor train driver who was in the train on that date. The ramifications of each of those circumstances are severe and for all of us to consider.

Some of us who had no knowledge of those circumstances earlier in life often heard that the act was selfish and required more consideration. Suicide leaves behind chaos, guilt—we heard about that earlier—in families that feel that they have some responsibility in some way, and a notion of blame needing to be asserted. Thankfully, we have, I think, come to understand that the whole circumstance is based essentially on illness, pressure and an inability to see a way forward. For many, that is not understandable, but nevertheless it is so prevalent that we can come to know that human beings can feel that the only way forward is to take their own life. I do not think that we can too often consider and try to respond to the sadness and impact of that.

On the circumstances that lie behind suicide, there is, no doubt, as Willie Coffey mentioned earlier, a propensity in Scotland to commit suicide, particularly among males, that is not seen elsewhere in western Europe. Obviously, alcohol and substance abuse have some impact. We are all aware of the levels of alcohol and substance abuse in Scotland. Joblessness and poverty have been mentioned, and bad debt is a factor. Hopelessness and sometimes homelessness lie behind suicide. Our thanks are no doubt due to NHS Scotland, the Samaritans, Breathing Space, the Salvation Army and many third sector groups that work tirelessly in that regard.

For the future, education is obviously of great significance in the strategy when it comes to understanding some of the early signs and recognising the pressures that individuals face. Talking about the issues and getting things out there into the public domain are increasingly important. Knowledge in the workplace is also important, because signs can be seen there. Workers should be educated to know that colleagues are under pressure; steps can then be taken.

The issue is very sensitive. Signs can be misread, but it is far better to take steps to help each other than to step aside and say in the Scottish way, “Let’s not be nosey about our pals’ interests or our neighbours’ futures.” We should step in and at least show kindness and an interest.

Also, social events in Scotland such as football matches, where male sensitivities are put aside, and pop concerts and the like are places to advertise the fact that there is a problem, which is almost unspoken until one experiences it at first hand. Identification is an important issue.

Equally important, as has been alluded to, are the real-time responses. I, too, listened to the radio this morning, and it became self-evident that when people need help they need it immediately and they need someone to speak to. Although the Samaritans are a great support, more needs to be done in that regard. I am sure that the minister will give thought to that.

Mention has been made of the use of sport and recreation to get people out into the open air and involved in groups. Although that is not part of an NHS strategy, one hopes that the minister can give us some insight into the co-operative work that is going on in the partnerships that we always talk about to deliver alternative solutions to our problems.

Monitoring and constant reassessment of the strategy will be significant in the years ahead. I am pleased to hear that there is no complacency regarding the falls in numbers and that they are not, in themselves, being seen as the achievement of success. One life saved is something that we should laud and be pleased about, but we want to try to save all these lives for the future. In that context, I welcome the 11 commitments that are outlined in the document and encourage the minister to do more as the evidence presents itself.