AYRSHIRE SAMARITANS ANNIVERSARY

Motion Text

That this House congratulates Ayrshire Samaritans on its one year birthday at its new premises in The Forgate, Kilmarnock; notes that these premises are more accessible and welcoming than its previous premises; commends Worksmart, which undertook the original refurbishment, providing labour free of charge; commends all the volunteers who work for the Samaritans; further commends Ayrshire Samaritans on its one year birthday drop-in event; acknowledges the vital support work undertaken by the Samaritans; notes that it offers a safe place for people to talk any time they like, in their own way; acknowledges that while people contacting the Samaritans do not need to be feeling suicidal; recognises that much of its work relates to people concerned about suicidal thoughts; further acknowledges that suicide rates among young men in particular remain a concern and that efforts to encourage people to be more open about how they feel can help reduce the rates of suicide; and urges that Parliamentarians lead by example and do not use the term suicide as a joking term.