AN AUCHINLECK mum helped a suicidal stranger who was in distress.

When councillor Claire Leitch met a man who was struggling to cope she knew he needed more than straightforward advice.

She immediately put into action techniques she had learned on a suicide prevention course.

The depute provost enrolled after she heard the number of people taking their own lives in East Ayrshire had doubled. There were 26 suicides in the area in 2019.

Speaking about how she helped the man, Claire, 28, said: “He displayed signs of distress.

“He spoke very sadly about his life and how he didn’t see a future for himself. It was awful.”

She asked him if he was suicidal.

Claire said : “He told me he had thought of suicide for a while. He was shocked when I asked him.

“People don’t talk about it. But if you think somebody is thinking of suicide you should ask them upfront. When you are in your own head you wonder if there is a way out.”

After talking to him Claire got in touch with a worker to make sure support was put in place.

She said: “Things were set up to keep him safe so I know he is fine.”

In 2018 , 26 people took their own lives in East Ayrshire the same number as last year. The annual figure has more than doubled from 12 in 2017.

Council and NHS officials alongside the police are now carrying out an investigation into the possible causes of the 50 most recent deaths in the area.

Claire is one of few politicians who has completed the two-day suicide first aid programme called ASIST late last year.

Within weeks she put it into action to help the man.

The East Ayrshire depute provost said: “It has been really difficult to hear about the statistics. It is sad to see any loss of life and the devastation left behind. People don’t want to die. They just don’t want to feel how they are feeling any more.

As well as ASIST a shorter course called safeTALK is available on helping those with suicidal thoughts.

To find out more contact the council on 01563 576360 or visit: www.choose life.net.

If you need help the Samaritans can be contacted free on 116123.