A DAD whose son tragically took his own life is raising awareness and money with his family for charities which help those bereaved by suicide.

Since his son Adam tragically took his own life, Andy Alcroft and his family have raised cash for charities helping those who have gone through a similar agony.

The Paisley dad told his story for this year’s Suicide Prevention Week in the hope of saving more families the same heartbreak. 

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Adam was aged just 23 when he took his own life in 2015 near Elderslie Golf Club. He was found after he had been missing for more than two days.

Mr Alcroft said: “Since the day Adam was found we’ve tried to do things that are positive to keep us going.”

Mr Alcroft says there can be warning signs someone is thinking of suicide.

He added: “Talking to someone who is thinking of taking their own life is essential, as is directing them to somewhere they can go if they’re feeling down and reassuring them it’s confidential.”

In the wake of Adam’s death, Mr Alcroft, his wife Mandy, and other family members have attended meetings of the Johnstone branch of SOBS, a self-help organisation that aims to shatter the isolation experienced by those bereaved by suicide.

He said: “It makes a real difference as we see others in our position who haven’t moved on. We had to do it a different way because our youngest daughter Amy was only two when we lost Adam, so life had to go on.

“It’s important that young people are able to get the help they need.”

Suicide Prevention Week, running this week, is an annual awareness campaign to inform and engage the public about suicide prevention.

Douglas Johnston is service coordinator of Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership’s Choose Life Service, which raises awareness of suicide prevention and runs training courses to help people support those who may be contemplating suicide.

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He said: “If someone is thinking of suicide we encourage them to seek help.”

For more information email chooselife.sw@renfrewshire.gov.uk

For more information on suicide prevention in Renfrewshire, call 0141 849 2200