Local action plan - Western Isles

The strategy and action plan for the Western Isles for suicide prevention aims to ensure we take action locally to build skills, improve knowledge and awareness of 'what works' to prevent suicide, improve opportunities to prevent premature loss of life and provide hope and optimism for the future. This was followed with the Scottish Government work on Towards a Mentally Flourishing Scotland, 2009-2011 which sets out targets and commitments for the development of mental health services in Scotland.

The continued focus over this period is on the delivery of training, with a specific focus on targeting - increasing training numbers by targeted work. This was further supported by working with at risk groups and a whole network focus – shared support and skills.  Choose Life in the Western Isles has had to work hard locally with mainstream health services to achieve this:

• we now have a training network of eight trainers throughout the Western Isles trained up in delivering ASIST. These trainers work between all sectors and have worked hard to fulfil their commitment to training and also their commitment to its sustainability. This has allowed increased flexibility when organising workshops. 

• similarly, we roll out a number of other training packages, namely STORM (skills-based training on risk management). This package is key as it will allow us to work closely towards our target of training our frontline staff.

Raising awareness, training and engaging with a range of networks have been key features of Phase Three in the Western Isles. Indeed, this highlights how the process of Choose Life implementation has played a significant role in creating alliances and partnerships. In support of national Choose Life objectives and priority groups, the local area has:

• maintained positive links with the local press. Commitment to the project from partner agencies has allowed Choose Life throughout the Western Isles to deliver consistent messages across the islands and to engage with partners we may not have previous to this.
• used Suicide Prevention Week successfully to engage the wider community in the suicide prevention agenda, through a number of press campaigns, information points, and training.
• concentrated activities on children and young people mainly via awareness raising activities. Done in partnership with the CAMHS team, and in line with the delivery of self harm training.
• used ASIST, SuicideTALK and other training to engage people in the suicide prevention agenda and improve the skills base of those working with priority groups.
• recognised that some groups, particularly older people, and those living in isolated communities have received less attention. Action to address this is now being considered. There is a strong link with the National Remote and Rural Suicide Group, and regular links to the national work being undertaken in relation to guidance on this.
• an increased awareness that people who repeatedly self-harm, substance misuse and men not in contact with services require further consideration as key determinants and gaps.

The most important considerations are still sustainability and the ability to support the communities’ vulnerability to suicide and self harm. It is encouraging to see however that we are continuing to take serious action to address suicide.

Further information

For more information about the Western Isles’s suicide prevention activities, contact the Western Isles Choose Life Co-ordinator - view the full list of Choose Life Co-ordinators' contact details.