Alison Taylor, Paisley and Renfrewshire North MP, has called for greater help for those struggling with suicidal thoughts. 

The new Labour MP has thrown her support behind Samaritans for World Suicide Prevention Day next week, on September 10, to make everyone “aware that help is out there.”

Speaking today, she said: “It is tragic that anyone may feel compelled to end their own life and cannot see a way through.  

“I am committed to supporting groups like the Samaritans who offer real help to people struggling to cope.  

“By ending the stigma and learning to talk about suicidal thoughts we can make the road ahead a little clearer and hopefully prevent anyone from taking their own life.”

Figures from National Records of Scotland, show at least 19 people in Renfrewshire are suspected to have taken their own lives in 2023.

Alison added: “I am sad to say my own family has been touched by suicide and it is important that as a society we address this and prevent friends and family falling into despair where they may seek to take their own life.”   

Samaritans is a suicide prevention charity who work to help anyone that is struggling to cope, offering a free 24-hour helpline on 116 123.