Suicide risk 'reduced by counselling'

ACCESS to counselling is the best way to reduce the number of suicides, experts in Edinburgh have said.

Although recent statistics showed an improvement in Lothians suicide rates, the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy said more help should be available for those who need it.

Shane Buckeridge, the organisation's lead advisor for Scotland, said: "While BACP welcomes the general reduction in rates of suicide, it is concerning that suicide rates in certain parts of the country are still on the increase where it seems that access to counselling services is at best patchy.

"Through its systematic review, BACP has identified that counselling can have a hugely positive impact on those with suicidal feeling.

"It is therefore essential that more is done to provide counselling services for those at risk."