Train stations in West Dunbartonshire have been identified as “areas of concern” by a council group established to help local residents struggling with their mental health.
Yoker and Renfrew Bridge, both situated between Glasgow and Clydebank, are flagged as a concern in a new report being presented to full council next week.
It comes as West Dunbartonshire councillors look at measures to lower suicide rates in the wake of covid-19 and as the country faces a cost of living crisis.
READ MORE: West Dunbartonshire needs more access to mental health services as suicides rise
Recent figures from the National Records of Scotland showed that there were 18 probable suicides recorded across the region last year, a rise of one from 2020.
During the recent full council meeting, a motion was brought before members by leader of the opposition councillor Karen Conaghan which highlighted that social deprivation, Covid-19 and now the cost of living crisis add to the levels of depression and anxiety within local communities.
She asked council officers to bring a report before members highlighting the work already done by the local authority and what more can be done to make sure those in need get the help they need to prevent suicide.
Councillor Conaghan said: “This is something that is very pressing and alarming and I think that we have made a great investment in our staff to create awareness and publicise what services are available to them with mental health.
“As such a large employer, that is fantastic and it reaches a lot of people locally. You hope those conversations have a ripple effect and help others within our community.
“I think the question is, how do we get this message out to the larger communities here in West Dunbartonshire and what can we do to help people. There is a great need for education and support for people or for them to know where they can access help in a crisis.”
A document, which will be presented to members next Wednesday shows that during 2021, 13 men and five women took their own life.
West Dunbartonshire is still promoting its suicide prevention programme. This year, the local authority has established several “subgroups” which focus on self-harm, suicide dates and locations of concern which include Yoker, Renfrew Bridge and Network Rail train stations.
More recently West Dunbartonshire Council worked with Samaritans who brought their national suicide prevention roadshow to Clydebank on October 10. The council has now organised a suicide prevention group session which will reflect on local issues and identify what further support communities need.
An update will be presented to members at their full council meeting next week.
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