Lochaber organisations will come together later this month for a major event dedicated to suicide prevention, support and open conversation across the community.
The gathering will take place at the Nevis Centre in Fort William on 25 November from ten in the morning until half past three and is open to anyone who wishes to learn, listen or seek support.
The event is being delivered by a partnership of Highland based mental health charities and public organisations who say the aim is simple to raise awareness, tackle stigma and offer help to those affected by suicide and bereavement.
The project is coordinated by Mikeysline working alongside Change Mental Health, NHS Highland, Police Scotland, James Support Group, The Highland Council, Ewen’s Room and Cruse Scotland.
All are members of the Highland Community Planning Partnership and have joined forces to shine a stronger light on one of the most sensitive and urgent issues facing communities across the region.
The partnership received support from the Highland Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund which awarded a grant to create new resources that improve understanding of suicide prevention and spotlight support services available across Lochaber and the wider Highlands.
Those resources include a detailed pack for families bereaved by suicide and a public information leaflet designed to help communities understand the impact of suicide and where to find help when it is most needed.
The project also produced three short films that explore postvention support, personal stories of loss and the stigma that still surrounds suicide and mental health.
All three films were shaped by lived experience and will form a central part of the day.
Speakers, panel conversations, resource sharing and public exhibitions will guide people through the realities of suicide prevention and the many ways support can be accessed.
Emily Stokes, Chief Executive of Mikeysline, said the event reflects a shared commitment to compassion, partnership and understanding.
She said every organisation involved has brought experience and humanity to the work.
“We are proud to have worked in close partnership with a range of third sector and statutory organisations on this vital project,” she said.
“By sharing our experience and compassion, we have developed meaningful resources that we look forward to bringing to the Nevis Centre on 25 November.”
She said the day is about holding space for honest conversation.
“This event is about continuing the conversation and ensuring people know they are not alone,” she said.
The event follows the national launch of Suicide Prevention Scotland which encourages open dialogue and aims to reduce isolation and silence around suicide.
Haylis Smith, National Delivery Lead for Scotland’s suicide prevention strategy Creating Hope Together, will deliver the keynote address and speak to both the challenges and the progress being made.
Refreshments and lunch will be provided and entry is free, with registration available through Eventbrite for those who wish to secure a place in advance.
Organisers say booking helps with catering but emphasise that anyone is welcome to attend on the day, even if lunch cannot be guaranteed at short notice.
The day is being framed as a chance for Lochaber to come together, learn together and remind one another that support exists and that no one facing loss or distress has to face it alone.
