Taboos prevent us from speaking freely about the problem and discussing what we can do. Stigma leads to misunderstanding and intolerance. This is what we need to change. The partnership works to address this and to provide help, support and advice to those who need it. Increased awareness and understanding can reduce a largely preventable major public health problem.

The North Lanarkshire Suicide Prevention Partnership includes membership from council services including education and social work, NHS, police, fire, public health, volunteer action and North Lanarkshire Links, among others. It aims to:

• To reduce the risk of suicide in high risk groups
• To tailor approaches to improve mental and physical health in specific groups
• To reduce access to means of suicide
• To learn from investigations and reviews into unexpected deaths
• To provide better information and support to those bereaved or affected by suicide
• To support research, data collection and monitoring
• of build community capacity to help reduce the stigma and taboo associated with suicide