PEOPLE in Inverclyde who are struggling with their mental health have been urged to reach out for support as the area marks World Suicide Prevention Day.

Brian McLaughlin, from Morton in the Community, says it's vital for locals who are experiencing suicidal thoughts to know that they are not alone, and that there are organisations, both local and national, that can provide support.

The charity chief’s call comes as groups up and down the country mark the annual international day of awareness, which aims to highlight the importance of reducing stigma and encouraging open discussions to prevent suicides.

READ MORE: Port Glasgow statue to be lit for World Suicide Prevention Day

The theme for this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day is 'changing the narrative on suicide' with a call to 'Start the Conversation'.

Brian told the Telegraph that initiatives like Morton In The Community’s weekly men’s mental health group Team Talk have a big role to play in providing essential support.

"There is support out there no matter your situation," he said, "and you won’t be judged for reaching out.

“I would encourage people to speak to someone they feel comfortable speaking to, or someone they trust.

"If you would rather reach out to someone independent, that’s when you can reach out to services locally and see what that looks like and how we can support you.

“People’s mental health is still something we hear quite a lot about. There are still a lot of people facing challenges on a day-to-day basis, and we have quite a bit of work still to do.

“But what has been done over the last few years has been encouraging. We just need to keep pulling together in the same direction.

“On average we get between 10 and 12 on a Monday evening at Team Talk. Some will be longer term participants, some will be in and out, and others will have graduated because they’ve felt the benefits of the programme.

“Probably over the last five or six years there are around 40 people we’ve engaged individually.

“There are so many challenges that people face, whether that is financial or fuel poverty or general wellbeing.

“I think it’s so important we continue to give people that chance to come and feel part of something and know that there’s someone out there to help them and give them that unofficial hug, so they know there’s a bit of hope there for them. “

Statistics published last month by the government's National Records of Scotland service revealed there were 10 deaths by suicide in Inverclyde in 2023, the same number as the year before.

Brian says that while people are gradually getting more comfortable with talking about issues such as suicide, there was still work to be done to tackle the stigma around it.

He added: “Hopefully people feel encouraged to ask for support.

"The big thing we're seeing is that the stigma is not there when you reach out.

"We’ll never judge anyone who reaches out to us, and we’ll never judge anyone who reaches out to other services.

“We’re here to help, and everyone has their own story.

“This is something which is more talked about, certainly over the last few years. But there still is that stigma.

“The only way we’re ever going to change anything is to keep talking about it, and making sure that it’s acceptable to talk about it.

“I think it’s also important there’s that support for the wider network of people.

"Unfortunately when someone commits suicide there’s that wider circle of friends, family and colleagues who’ll be affected.

“There’s so much good stuff happening locally, but it’s how we connect it all together.

“We’re a small community. If someone engages with us, they’re probably engaging with another third sector organisation locally, so it’s about how we can connect that.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or feeling suicidal, contact your GP, NHS 24 on 111, Samaritans on 116 123, or Breathing Space on 0800 83 58 87.

For under-35s, contact PAPYRUS Hopeline on 0800 068 4141.