NHS Borders are telling people to “read between the lines” ahead of this year’s Suicide Prevention Week, which takes place from September 5-11.

The campaign encourages people to be aware of the warning signs and take all signs of distress seriously, even if the person seems to be living a normal life.

Last year, 696 people across Scotland died by suicide, the equivalent of around two lives taken each day.

And in 2015, the Scottish Borders saw an increase of the number of suicides from 12 to 18.

NHS Borders and Scottish Borders Council are working together by taking part in the Choose Life annual campaign.

Councillor Catriona Bhatia, SBC’s executive member for health service, said: “Suicide Prevention Week is an opportunity for us all to come together to raise awareness and share knowledge about suicide prevention. 

“Suicide is a complicated issue, sometimes hard to understand, but what we do know is that talking about it can help. If you’re worried about someone, such as a friend, family member or workmate, it’s important that you take the signs seriously and know that by making the effort to ask them directly about their feelings, you could ultimately help to save their life.”

Allyson McCollam, associate joint director of public health for NHS Borders and SBC, added: “Suicide has an immense impact on society, on local communities and on individuals, and we can all play a large part in preventing suicides. 

“This week is a chance to remind people across the Borders of the support and help that is available to help them gain valuable skills in identifying the signs of suicidal intent in the people around them – friends, colleagues, family members or neighbours – and to encourage them to make contact and get them to talk about how they feel.”

There will be four events taking place in the Borders during the week, with three of them in Galashiels:

Monday, September 5, at the MacArts, Bridge Street, Galashiels, TD1 1SP – 10am-2pm.

Tuesday, September 6 at Eyemouth Community Centre, Albert Road, Eyemouth, TD14 5DE.

Wednesday, September 7 at Fresh Start (SAMH), 50-52 Island Street, Galashiels, TD1 1NU.

Thursday, September 8 at Halls of Residence, Heriott Watt University, Galashiels campus – 11.30am-2pm.

For more information about the campaign visit http://chooselife.net