Hollywood star visits city suicide charity
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HOLLYWOOD actress Karen Gillan has given her support to an Inverness-based charity tackling the sensitive subject of suicide.
The A-list star has been back in her home city for a special screening of her debut film as a director, The Party’s Just Beginning, which explores the issue of suicide. And she took time to visit the Hive Project run by Mikeysline.
Based in Academy Street, it provides a sanctuary for people with mental health issues who are seeking help.
Ms Gillan spent time chatting to staff plus drama and performance students from the University of the Highlands and Islands who are working with the charity on a film to highlight its work.
“I am totally bowled over by the incredible work this whole scheme is doing,” she said.
“It is so amazing to see people tackling this problem directly. This is a one-off visit but I would be honoured to be involved further. A couple of things have been mentioned but nothing concrete.”
Ms Gillan, who has a massive following on social media, took away a Mikeysline T-shirt which she promised to highlight.
During the visit she spoke to manager Stephen Reid about the high suicide rates among young men in the Highlands which she recalled as being an idyllic place to grow up.
“I have been trying to figure out why this is,” pondered Ms Gillan, who acknowledged that men often found it harder to open up.
The pair also spoke about the text service provided by Mikeysline for people seeking help. Mr Reid was delighted by the celebrity’s interest in highlighting the work of Mikeysline.
“This is an Inverness local who wants to do her bit to help out,” he said.
“She is so behind what we are doing.”
Ms Gillan also met third year students Tegan Wright, Paulina Tomaszewicz, Rachel Venturini and Laura Walker who are working on a film as part of their course.
Ms Gillan told them she was keen to see the film which is set to be completed next month and will be used by Mikeysline to highlight the issues of suicide.
AN app designed to help prevent suicide in the north of Scotland has been launched in Inverness.
The “Prevent Suicide” app is being rolled out in the region as part of the Highland Community Planning Partnership’s (CPP) work to address levels of suicide.
It includes telephone numbers for local and national helplines which can offer support in some situations where people are feeling distressed or suicidal. There is also guidance on what people can do to help someone they suspect is feeling suicidal.
Highland Council leader Margaret Davidson said: “Any opportunity to help prevent a loss of life from suicide or support anyone in distress is welcome.”
Police Chief Superintendent George Macdonald: “The Highland area has a long-standing challenge linked to suicide, particularly among men.
“Respecting the complexity of every incident, we are consistently told by the families, friends and peers of those involved that more prevention information may have assisted them.
“This app is a new resource and approach in the Highlands, having been successfully used elsewhere.
“While respecting there is no single solution, we believe the app to be a step in the right direction. However, we all need to do more individually and across organisations to support our communities in preventing the tragic loss of more lives.”
