A group of young Scots gathered at Hampden Park in Glasgow today  (8^th September 2008) to launch Choose Life's 'Don't hide it. Talk about it' campaign, marking the start of national Suicide Prevention Week (8^th–14^th September 2008). Suicide is the biggest killer of young people under 35 in Scotland and on average, 800 Scots a year die by suicide.

The campaign aims to reduce the number of deaths in Scotland by encouraging people to talk more openly about suicide and is a vital part of the work of Choose Life, Scotland's national strategy and action plan to prevent suicide.

With an average of two people a day dying by suicide in Scotland the 'Don't hide it. Talk about it.' campaign calls on everyone to talk more openly about suicide to help save lives. Lifting the lid on our emotions can help prevent everyday problems building up that may overwhelm us and can help build our resilience for coping with difficult and challenging times in our lives.

Choose Life programme manager, Dougie Paterson explains: "Suicide can and is being prevented in Scotland. But suicide is a taboo and difficult subject to talk about and secrecy and avoidance is common. This, along with the stigma associated with suicide, is a major obstacle to effective suicide prevention. There is a great need to change our approach to suicide and increase awareness and understanding about suicide. The overall 'Don't hide it. Talk about it' campaign aim is to raise awareness and promote the message that talking about suicide can save lives. Many people feel that talking about suicide can increase risk – the opposite is true. People who feel suicide often feel relived to talk about their thoughts of suicide and want to stay alive. 'Don't hide It. Talk about It' encourages all of us to feel confident in reaching out to those contemplating suicide.

To read the full press release regarding the campaign please click on the following link: Choose Life Press Release September 2008

As part of the campaign, Choose Life has developed a new microsite aimed specifically at people who are either having thoughts of suicide or are worried about someone else. Please click the following link to find out more:  www.suicide-prevention.co.uk