News Release, 30 August 2006
In response to the ‘Health Statistics Quarterly’ report published by the Office of National Statistics, Isabella Goldie, Head of Scotland for the Mental Health Foundation, said:
“It is concerning that Scotland such a high suicide rate. Whilst we can partly put this down to socio-economic issues such as poverty, homelessness, drugs and alcohol, action is evidently needed.
The Scottish Executive’s Choose Life strategy has done some good work, but needs to do more to address what is a complex problem. Work needs to be done with schools, prisons, employers, equality groups and emergency services to prevent people taking their own lives. We need to see the development of services that provide early interventions for those known to be most at risk, and a range of crisis responses made available to people when they need them. Services need to start working together at a community level to tackle the stigma and discrimination that often prevents people from seeking the support they need.”
Ends
Read the Office of National Statistics 'Health Statistics Quarterly' report (on the ONS website)
Return to news releases 2006
Notes to editors
For further information and interview requests contact please contact the press office on 020 7803 1105 / 1128 or email the press office
The Mental Health Foundation is the leading UK charity working to improve services for both people with mental health problems and people with learning disabilities. It is the only charity to fund and work with both service users and providers and plays an important role in funding research and new approaches to prevention, treatment and care. The Foundation’s work includes allocating grants for research and community projects; contributing to the public debate; educating policy makers and healthcare professionals and striving to reduce the stigma attached to mental illness.
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