A NUMBER of events took place in the Borders as part of Suicide Prevention Awareness Week.

A ‘Hopeful Steps Walk’ to raise awareness of the stigma surrounding suicide started at Gala Rugby Club at 2pm on Friday, September 10.

Among those taking part were members of the Quarriers Resilience for Wellbeing Service who work with young people up to the age of 18.

Member Angela Freeman told the Border Telegraph: “This is such a worthwhile cause. The focus of the walk is hope and challenging the stigma that surrounds suicide and to help people understand that there is help out there.”

Event organiser Denise Carmichael, Walk It Project Head added: “The walk is a joint initiative between NHS Borders, Walk It and the SBC. The theme of the walk is ‘Creating Hope through Acton’.

“We’ve been having walks for years but due to COVID last year’s didn’t take place. They are normally much longer and out last was from Selkirk to Galashiels. This year we decided to make to a shorter walk with refreshments which is nice because it gives us a chance to have a conversation amongst ourselves about what gives us hope.”

In addition, a United to Prevent Suicide Bitesize Information session was delivered via MS Teams on Tuesday September 14 and a ‘Breathing Space’ bench was launched last week at Borders College.

If you are feeling suicidal or suspect that someone you know is considering suicide it’s important to know that help is available.

Get in touch with your local GP for support or contact Samaritans on116 123(24 hours) or Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87 (lines open 24 hours at weekends and 6pm to 2am on weekdays). If someone is at immediate risk of suicide call 999 to get help and support to them quickly.