WE MUST BREAK

CYCLE OF PAIN, EXPERT DECLARES

- BY GEMMA RYDER

A RETIRED senior policeman has called on every member of society to help save young lives amid a suicide epidemic.

Graham Goulden, who spent 30 years in policing, made the emotional plea to back a new Daily Record campaign to tackle the issue.

The former Scottish Violence Reduction Unit chief inspector said the situation is so critical that adults in all communities must work to help prevent youngsters from taking their lives - and that the battle can “no longer be left to professionals alone”.

Goulden, 57, said: “This is a fight for all of us. Prevention starts in the community and we each have a part to play in early intervention. Even a simple conversation with a child can make a life-changing difference.”

Goulden, who now works as a speaker on leadership and well-being, added: “Too often we wait for a crisis to happen before acting.

“If we step in early, we can prevent tragedy. Once a young person reaches crisis point, it's much harder to help.

“Children are under enormous stress, navigating a complex world and all of us - parents, teachers and neighbours share responsibility for their well-being.

“When a young person dies, the grief doesn't just affect their family, it spreads through their friends and community too.

“That cycle of pain further damages the mental health of many. We need to break that cycle.”