Suicide rates among youg people
in Scotland are the highest in the UK and the
STUC pledged action to combat this appalling statistic.
In a response to a call from the Youth Conference,
the STUC will support initiatives to tackle suicide
and self-harm in young people and will lobby the
government for funding.
Backing the motion, UNISON's Carrie Milligan
said she was not only speaking as a young trade
unionist but also as an Occupational Therapist
in the mental health field.
"I have worked with people that have attempted
suicide and regrettably with individuals who have
completed suicide", said Carrie.
"Like many of you, I live in a community
that has been rocked by a young girl who committed
suicide and have worked with colleagues who couldn't
understand why one of their workmates never turned
up for work one morning.
"This was believed to be due to work related
stress. That's why supporting this motion is so
important", added Carrie.
Suicide and self-harm could potentially affect
everyone in some form at some point, Carrie explained.
"We need to demand that employers introduce
effective strategies in the workplace", she
said.
Action needed to be taken with about two people
a day committing suicide in Scotland. Three out
of four are men and it is the biggest killer in
the under 35s.
The effects of attempted and actual suicides
"can be felt for years, damaging other individuals'
mental health and social skills", said Carrie.
"As trade unionists we are well placed to
assist in tackling suicide and self harm and raising
awareness about mental wellbeing", she said,
adding that people often open up to their trade
union rep in a more frank and honest way because
they are coming to us at times of stress and when
they are most vulnerable.
