Billy Boyd: Movie star support suicide prevention campaign
Hollywood movie star Billy Boyd has joined the campaign to cut the country's high suicide rate.
The Lord of the Rings actor has joined the Choose Life cause after deciding to get involved after hearing of a spate of suicides in Dundee, where he is currently performing.
In recent years Billy Boyd has graced red carpets and Oscar award ceremonies but on Wednesday he met local health officials in Carnoustie to discuss Scotland’s suicide problems. It comes after a number of young people took their own lives over the summer in and around Tayside.
Also fighting for the cause on world suicide day, the Samaritans have launched a new advertising campaign in Scotland. Featuring former British masters lightweight boxer Gary McArthur, it targets working-class men aged 30 to 50.
Posters will go up in train stations across the country - the aim is to reduce suicides on railways by 20%. Every day two Scots commit suicide, and three quarters of victims will be men.
The Samaritans hard-hitting "men on the ropes" boxing-themed campaign is aimed at “men's men” aged who are vulnerable to suicide.
Choose Life is the Scottish Government's suicide prevention watchdog and their message is simple - don't suffer in silence.
They say if men speak out about their problems, they might find the help they need to get through them.
If you are affected by this story then here are some helpline numbers:
Samaritans provides non-judgemental emotional support, 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide. Phone them on 08457 90 90 90 or visit www.befrienders.org.
Breathing Space where experienced advisors will listen and provide information and advice can be contacted on 0800 83 85 87.
