WALK FOR HOPE

CHOOSE LIFE

Saturday is an important day in the centre of Paisley, it is the annual Choose life walk for hope, and the event just keeps getting bigger and bigger. Unfortunately I will not be able to make the march this year due to previous arrangement but I would urge as many people as possible to get along to Paisley Town Hall for 2pm.


Choose life do extremely important work helping those thinking of suicide and now those who have been affected by suicide. You will note that Scotland's suicide rates have been in the news reports lately and too many people can't see a way out and unfortunately end up taking their own lives, projects like breathing space and choose life offer someone to talk to when it gets too much.


If you know someone who has been affected by suicide or someone who has committed suicide please take the time and go to the march. The people I have had the pleasure of speaking to on these occasions are family members of those who have taken their own lives and their strength and honesty was completely overwhelming, their acceptance of new people and willingness to explain their situation made the whole experience humbling. Please go along an support them and go for a cup of tea afterwards have a chat see what I mean.

WALK OF HOPE

CHOOSE LIFE

When I was the Local Councillor and the Deputy Convenor for Community and Family Care, last year and the year before I had the privilege of being invited along to the Walk for Hope in Paisley Town Centre, and even though I am no longer in that role I was intending in joining the walkers through the town centre on Saturday. Unfortunately due to work commitments I was unable to attend but I was delighted to see the article in the paper today, over 100 people took part according to the coverage and I am delighted by the response.

Recently the issue of suicide prevention has taken a more personal theme for me as one of my friends recently lost a brother to suicide, no one can understand the grief and confusion that comes unless you have been through it yourself, last year I spoke to many mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters of people who had committed suicide and saw first hand the excellent work carried out by all of the agencies but in particular Rosemary Mullan and the team at Choose Life, I was delighted they got such a good response this year and fully intend on being with them next year.

Anyone interested should visit the Wynd Centre in Paisley tomorrow between 10am and 1pm for the excellent information morning co-ordinated by ChooseLife Renfrewshire and involving Breathing Space, First Crisis and ChooseLife, remember you are not alone and don't be afraid to ask for help.