Suicide is a big issue at Christmas

Dec 18 2009 by Lisa Boyle, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

CHRISTMAS is a time for families and fun.

But for many people it is a dreaded time of loneliness and despair.

One person is bidding to change that though.

Alastair Queen, a member of Southside Church, wants to stamp out suicide this festive season.

And Alastair is offering a friendly face and a listening ear to anyone who wants it.

Alastair said: “Part of the reason I’m doing this is because I understand suffering at this time of year.

“My own family has suffered tremendously at Christmas. I just want to get a message of hope out to people to hold on and not to make rash decisions.

“This year I felt I wanted to stop and take some time and help others in any way I can and give them a bit of hope.

“There are a lot of people out there who won’t be looking forward to Christmas. They may be lonely depressed, have lost businesses, lost jobs, lost relationships.”

As Alastair launched his bid to stamp out suicide, South Ayrshire Samaritans revealed they received 5353 calls in the last year.

Alastair continued: “There’s a such a stigma attached to suicide, of guilt and shame for even contemplating it, I feel that needs to be addressed.

“There’s no shame in putting your hand up and saying ‘I am struggling.’

“There are always people out there to talk to. People in a professional basis and on a friend basis.”

Alastair can be contacted by email on alastair.southside@gmail.com or by phone on 07909 895 226.

Visit Southside’s website at www.scfbaptist.co.uk or pop along to a church meeting at Kyle Academy from 11.15am.

For professional support and advice log on to www.petalsupport.com, www.chooselife.net or www.stampoutsuicide.org.uk