“A subject we should not and cannot ignore”: Kirkcaldy event to discuss male suicide

The University of Dundee is opening the doors of its campus in the town to bring together charities and agencies that work with men, their families and friends, to provide advice and raise awareness of the subject.

Taking place on Wednesday 29 January the event, “We need to talk about male suicide,” has been organised by mental health academics at the University’s School of Health Sciences, based at the town’s Forth Avenue.

Paul Smith, Mental Health lecturer, said that showcasing local support services could prevent avoidable loss of life and encourage more men to discuss their mental health openly.

“Sadly, male suicide is something that has deeply affected both the University and local community in recent times,” he said. “The impact of these tragedies are profound and have highlighted the urgent need to help men who feel they have nobody or nowhere to turn to.

“The University is uniquely placed in Kirkcaldy to bring together many of the support services that exist in the town. As a base for our Mental Health courses, myself and colleagues are also able to share our own insights and experiences.

“We want this to be an open conversation, for people to come along and share their stories, learn where support exists and how people can help themselves or the ones we love.

“There will be no lecturing and no judgement. This is an event for all of the public. We want to create a safe, open space for the local community to come along and learn more about a subject we should not and cannot ignore. If you feel like there is nowhere to turn or are concerned for someone you care about, we want to reassure you that there are people here in Kirkcaldy who want to help.”

Attending the event will be representatives of several support groups and charities involved with bereavement and suicide, as well as University staff from the School of Health Sciences.

“We need to talk about…” is a series of events established by the University’s Kirkcaldy campus staff that will address some of the urgent mental and physical health issues affecting the local community. 

“We need to talk about male suicide” takes place at the University of Dundee’s School of Health Sciences Kirkcaldy Campus, Forth Avenue on Wednesday 29 January, starting at 18:00. Admission is free with tickets available online.

“We need to encourage more men to open up”

Jamie Lyon from Kirkcaldy was 19 years-old when he took his own life last September. His father, David, said that there was an urgent need for people to be aware of the support services available should they have concerns for their own welfare, or somebody around them.

“Jamie was the life and soul of every party. He often gave the impression that nothing phased him, because he was a man, because he was strong, but obviously it did. I think that is often part of the problem for men. We are a lot deeper than we often let on.

“We need to encourage more men to open up. Just talk. It can be good to get things off your chest and to share. Talk to a family member, a friend, your manager at work or lecturer. Tell them how you are feeling.

“I am a grieving Dad. We need more focus on suicide and funding for services to support people affected by it. Social media also plays a big part. People are taking their lives at a young age and this is having a devasting impact on families and communities. There is a big picture here that needs to be highlighted.”

Jamie’s death prompted a huge community response both on the streets for his funeral, and across social media. In response, David added, “I would like to say thank you to the people of Kirkcaldy for their love, support and help. We have been grateful for everyone who has been in touch. The messages and flowers, cards and donations have shown how many lives Jamie touched and that has been a great comfort.”