September is suicide prevention month, with World Suicide Prevention Day taking place every year on September 10.

It was reported in early 2020 that over 150 people had died by suicide between 2011-2018 in North Ayrshire, according to statistics released by NHS National Services.

The Mental Health Foundation reported that over a third of people in full-time work surveyed were concerned about job losses, and the mental health impact on unemployed people was extensive and severe.

A quarter of those people reported not coping well with the stress, with one in five people experiencing suicidal thoughts.

On the lead up to World Suicide Prevention Day it’s important to be aware of the resources available in the North Ayrshire area for those who are struggling.

The Ayrshire Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment Team (ACRHTT) provides support and treatment for people who are experiencing a mental health crisis.

The team is there to prevent or reduce the impact of a crisis while giving prompt and timely support when they are most needed.

The teams are based at their local Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) bases and their contact details are:

• CMHT- North Ayrshire - Three Towns Resource Centre, Saltcoats 01294 470010
• CMHT- South Ayrshire - Ailsa Hospital, Ayr 01292 559777
• CMHT - Kilmarnock and Loudoun - North West Area Centre, Kilmarnock 01563 578592
• CMHT - Cumnock and Doon - Netherthird Clinic, Cumnock 01290 425947

These services can be contacted Monday – Friday 9am-5pm with an extended duty service until 6:45pm.

The Scottish Recovery Network is an initiative created to raise awareness of recovery from mental health problems.

There is also the Ayrshire Recovery Network which is a safe and inclusive group of people who meet regularly within Ayrshire for casual and in-formal meet ups.

For more information on this, call Niall Brunton on 07988736145.

The North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership has the Community Adult Mental Health Service.

This is a referral-based service aiming to assess your needs and wishes allowing you to create a support plan to help with recovery.

There are various phonelines and webchat services available to help those in need.

Breathing space is a confidential support line for those experiencing low mood, depression or anxiety, call 0800838587 (Mon–Thurs, 6pm–2am and Fri 6pm–Mon 6am).

Samaritans charity offers support for those suffering with suicidal thoughts, call 116123 (lines are open 24/7).

For young people experiencing mental health problems and needing support:

Childline is a service for those under 19 struggling with mental health issues or any other problems, call 08001111.

Or use their webchat services here. 

The charity Young Minds also have a crisis messenger system if you text YM to 85258.