App aims to reduce suicide toll launch in Tayside

BRITAIN’S first smartphone app aimed at cutting the suicide death toll is being officially launched in Tayside today.

The app is initially being targeted at middle-aged men at risk of taking their own life, and will be promoted this Saturday at the Dundee United v Aberdeen football match at Tannadice.

A message will be sent to all supporters entering the ground who are equipped with Bluetooth technology, inviting them to download the app.

In 2011, 639 men and 250 women took their own lives in Scotland, including 56 deaths in the Tayside area.

The “Suicide? Help?” app is being launched by UK Choose Life Angus and Dundee, working in partnership with Faff Digital.

Gail Forrest, the local Choose Life co-ordinator, said: “We are trying to reach people who would not normally contact services for help. We want to reach out to people … and get them the help that they need.”