Tayside residents who experience suicidal thoughts are being urged to seek help as part of a national week-long suicide prevention campaign.
Suicide Prevention Week, which runs until Sunday, will involve a series of events aimed at reducing the number of suicides that take place in Tayside.
Eight young men and one young woman have committed suicide in the region since July 1.
In Perthshire, Suicide Prevention Week is being led by Perth and Kinross Council in association with local organisations including the Samaritans, Mindspace and Barnardo’s Hopscotch Project.
Perth and Kinross Council’s housing and health convener, Peter Barrett, said: “While suicide levels in Perth and Kinross remain low, we cannot overlook that people can find themselves in difficult circumstances and potentially considering suicide.”
In Dundee, an information stall will be at the Wellgate Centre tomorrow and suicide prevention training session will be held place on Thursday.
Events in Angus are being led by the health improvement team, a partnership between Angus Council and NHS Tayside.
Team manager Freda Stewart said: “Everyone feels sad sometimes or has a day when they feel a bit anxious or low – that’s pretty normal.
“But if these feelings never seem to go away, or if your mood is affecting your relationships or your studies, it’s important to talk to someone you trust.
“If you don’t feel comfortable talking about your feelings with family and friends, there are other people who can offer you non-judgmental emotional support.”
Information stalls will be set up at the Co-op supermarket at Carnoustie tomorrow and at Abbeygate shopping mall at Arbroath on Friday.
Free and confidential phone numbers for assistance with suicidal thoughts include:
Breathing Space – 0800 838587, or visit www.breathingspacescotland. co.uk
Samaritans – 01382 832555, www.samaritans.org or e-mail jo@samaritans.org
Insight Counselling – 01382 305720 or 01241 871140, www.insightcanhelp.co.uk