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We know that social isolation is a significant risk factor, and social connection acts as a key protective factor.
Fife’s Suicide Prevention Awareness campaign takes place from 9th September – 15th September 2024 and will focus on how we can encourage and support individuals to create connections.
Support is available within our communities, in a range of different ways. Small, simple actions can really make a difference to someone and could prevent them from escalating to crisis and distress.
What action can we take as a community?
- We need to work together as individuals, communities and organisations to tackle suicide.
- Think about the communities you are part of. This can be the place you live, the place you work, or if you’re part of a sports club or community group. Anything that brings you together and connects you with others.
- Think about what you already do as a community, such as:
- encouraging conversations: this can be on anything, from what you’ve been watching on TV to sharing a problem you have.
- creating social situations: providing a space for people to come together.
- offering encouragement or guidance: we all need a supportive word from time to time when we’ve had a difficult day or are facing a challenge.
- Think about how this helps to prevent suicide:
- encouraging conversations: can encourage people to open up and help tackle stigma.
- creating social situations: protects against social isolation
- offering encouragement or guidance: might help someone reach out to get help or support.
Peer support
You may not realise it, but if you provide the opportunity for people to come together in safe spaces to talk and share experiences, you are offering peer support.
“Peer support is powerful and it works. It’s a mutual relationship where people with shared experiences support each other especially as they move through challenging times.” Scottish Recovery Network
For further information about Peer Support, visit: https://scottishrecovery.net/peer-support/
Are you interested in being part of growing peer support in Fife? Whether you are an individual on your own journey of recovery, part of a group or an organisation keen to explore developing peer support within your service, find out more about the Fife Peer Support Network by visiting: https://www.fva.org/peer_support_network.asp
10 steps to connect
When we think about suicide prevention, we often think about crisis intervention and support, but the opportunity to support suicide prevention can begin much earlier in a person’s journey. Small, simple things that you never considered as suicide prevention might stop someone from escalating to crisis and distress.
1. Smile
- Sharing a friendly smile goes beyond the words we say.
- It can provide reassurance or comfort without the need to talk.
- Shows positivity and that you’re approachable.
- Demonstrates your caring side.
- Helps to build self-esteem and sense of belonging – for you too.
Those who see a smile are likely to return the sentiment – try it! See a smile and pass it on.
2. Hold the door
Spare a few seconds to hold the door open and enable another to pass through.
- Shows consideration.
- Let’s others know they matter.
- Being helpful feels good for those you help – and for you too.
Treating another person with consideration might inspire them to return the favour.
3. Say thank you
Appreciate the small things others do.
- Showing your thanks develops positive relationships.
- Being appreciated helps others with their sense of purpose.
- Gratitude can build a positive mindset.
A simple acknowledgement of thanks can contribute to collective strength.
4. Random acts of kindness
Wherever you are, someone close by can benefit from your kindness.
- Random acts of kindness not only benefit the receiver but also the giver.
- Improves wellbeing.
- Kindness is remembered.
Do what you can, where you are, with what you have.
5. Offer your seat
Supporting another person’s needs can make a difference.
- Shows understanding and respect.
- Can reduces a person’s feelings of burden.
- Challenges social isolation.
Your help would really help.
6. Pay it forward
Consider pre-paying a snack or hot drink in a local shop or cafe.
- Builds community spirit.
- Supports your local economy.
- Might enable someone the opportunity to eat as well as build social connections.
A memorable moment in tough times can transform another’s day.
7. Grab a cuppa
Invite a neighbour, friend or community connection ‘in’.
- The venue could be your home or a cafe – this doesn’t matter as much as the shared time created.
- Enables an opportunity to chat through common interests, achievements or difficult times.
- Provides opportunities for enjoyment and interaction.
A listening ear can make all the difference, you don’t need to know all the answers.
8. Connect with nature
The outdoors can lift everyone’s mood – no matter the weather or circumstance.
- Invite friends to go out for a walk.
- Meet others in a local park for a picnic or pick a cafe with a window view.
- Sit in the garden and watch some of the day pass by.
The seasons changing create a different scene every day – create opportunities for yourself and others to notice and feel the benefits.
9. Meet with others
Making a plan to meet with others can give you and them, something to look forward to.
- Can be a simple plan to meet others as a one off or more regularly.
- Can be motivational – a way to get through the day.
- Can bring sense of achievement as well as increased social connection.
Creating social plans can break up periods of isolation and can be a rewarding pause for those who feel like they never stop.
10. Give a compliment
Sharing compliments with others who you may know or may not know, can make them feel valued.
- Shows you notice and appreciate others.
- Creates positive mindset for you and others.
- Demonstrates kindness.
If you see it or think it, say it – it’ll cost nothing but it can mean so much.
These may be small, simple things that you never considered might help prevent suicide, but they might help someone from escalating to crisis or distress.
Let’s build on this! #ConnectionsCreateHope
For further ideas or inspiration visit:
You can find out further information in the form of resources, videos and links by clicking each of the panels below. They will take you to further information on the Suicide prevention in Fife web pages.
Resources
Videos
Previous campaigns
Find out information about:
If you are concerned for someone, visit the Suicide Prevention in Fife pages for advice and information on support and services.
