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››New Lochaber workshops to address mental health and suicide prevention

New Lochaber workshops to address mental health and suicide prevention

By Olivia L. McWilliams
June 25, 2022
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Fort William, Kinlochleven and Mallaig this week hosted workshops to launch a new initiative focusing on mental health and suicide prevention.

Highland Community Planning Partnership (HCPP) launched its Lochaber Cares workshops earlier this week as part of a community-based approach to improving the mental health and wellbeing of people in Lochaber.

The goal is for the community to work together to break down barriers around mental health and let people know that support is available.

Toolbox Talks have been used by the construction industry for years to communicate essential health and safety information to employees.

The HCPP has adapted the concept for use in community settings to generate discussions about mental health and wellbeing.

The first conference focuses on suicide awareness, intervention and prevention. Identifying someone in crisis, trauma and mental health issues is more of a public health priority than ever.

Covid-19 and the restrictions put in place to contain the virus, coupled with people living in poverty, financial hardship and unemployment, facing severe/chronic illness, suicide and sudden bereavement, have dramatically increased the risk that people experience a decline in their mental well-being.

The Highland Council’s age-standardized rate for mental illness and suicide is significantly higher than that for Scotland as a whole for both men and women in 2016-20.