More accessible mental health services are needed in West Dunbartonshire, according to councillors, as the number of recorded suicides in the area rise.
Recent figures from the National Records of Scotland show 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.
READ MORE: Glasgow has highest rate of suicide in Scotland according to new figures
Councillor Conaghan asked for advice on what more the local authority can do to prevent suicide.
She said: “I won’t be the only person in this chamber who has been affected by the death of someone they love to suicide.
“I think when I put forward this motion to council, I was very aware that within a few nights someone at Dumbarton Bridge was attempting to take their life.
“It’s 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.
“It is very prevalent within our young people and there have been some fantastic initiatives put forward to help them. We are much more open to talking about mental health within our schools.
“I think we are all aware of how underfunded the area of mental health is generally and not just within schools. I would like to know what more we can do.”
The motion received cross party support and was seconded by Labour councillor Michelle McGinty, who said her son had lost a close friend to suicide a few years ago.
Councillor McGinty said: “I think there is a lot being done in West Dunbartonshire but it is too late for a lot of families. It is a shame that families feel they have to fundraise to access the support they need.”
A report will be brought before the next full council meeting outline what the local authority already does in terms of suicide prevention and what more can be done.
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