Campaign to curb 'alarming' suicide rate among Poles in Scotland

According to recently released statistics, there are 20 suicides per 100,000 in the Polish community, whereas for the rest of the country the level is 14 per 100,000.

In a bid to arrest the trend, the Edinburgh-based Feniks charity has created the Look Around project, which will begin its work in the Scottish capital.

Barbara Wesołowska of Feniks argues that many in the Polish community are reluctant to step forward and talk about psychological problems.

She says the project “will help to tackle stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health issues.”

Look Around aims to train people within the community to identify and support fellow Poles who are struggling and could be at risk.

Workshops will be held on how to talk to vulnerable migrants, as well as how to inform them on how the Scottish healthcare system works.

Wesołowska believes that difficulties often arise from factors such as isolation, employment problems, the language barrier and not getting to grips with Scotland's healthcare system. (nh)

Source: The Herald