More than 100 people died by suicide between 2011-2018 in East Ayrshire, according to statistics.

The figures, which were released by NHS National Services Scotland last week, came as part of a wider report into the number of people completing suicide across Scotland and the services they accessed before attempting the act.

The report comes at a time when the suicide of TV presenter Caroline Flack has drawn much attention to the issue. Indeed, Flack was visited by ambulance services just 24 hours before her death on February, 15.

Of those who died by suicide in East Ayrshire, 41 per cent contacted a service such as NHS 24, Scottish Ambulance Service or GP Out-Of-Hours within 12 months of their death. The majority contacted NHS 24, though statistics for those who accessed GP Out-Of-Hours services were only available from April 2014.

A spokesperson from East Ayrshire Council, commenting on the statistics said:

“The wellbeing of East Ayrshire residents is of great importance to all the partners represented in the East Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership. The increase in people dying from suicide in 2018 has been of particular concern and both the East Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership and East Ayrshire Council are working in collaboration in response to this.

“In relation to East Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership, an East Ayrshire Choose Life Group is in place which has coordinated local actions and helped Ayrshire to become an associate to the national Distress Brief Intervention programme. We are identifying additional resources to support services for at-risk groups through this work.

“Ayrshire will also become a national pilot site for a service which will provide expert support to families affected by suicide. In addition, due to concerns about outcomes for young people, a review of the pathway to support distressed children and young people is underway so that we can provide more robust support.

Commenting on the role that they play to help people at risk of suicide NHS 24 said:

“Every death to suicide is a tragedy. NHS 24 provides a compassionate response to all callers who contact in distress. Should they experience suicidal thoughts, NHS 24 provides listening, advice, signposting and an immediate emergency response.”

If you or anybody you know are contemplating suicide know that there are people out there who care. Please call NHS 24 number for Breathing Space 0800 83 85 87 or Samaritans on 116 123.