Born in 1946 and brought up in Cupar, Fife, I was educated at the local school - 
Banffshire & Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson has highlighted the importance of Samaritans Awareness Day which takes place on Sunday 24th July.
Commenting on the awareness event, Mr Stevenson said:
“The Samaritans provide confidential non-judgemental emotional support, 24 hours a day, seven days a week for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide. Their services are available via telephone, email, letter and face to face in most of their branches.
“Scotland’s communities are affected by suicides every day, so we should all aim to remove the stigma that surrounds it and acknowledge that speaking about suicide can help to save lives.
“Due to the fact that the Samaritans offer a 24 hour service, they are always looking for volunteers to help in the delivery. I would therefore like to encourage people to consider giving a few hours if they can to become a volunteer and be a vital part of their organisation.
“For those interested, they should simply make a visit to a local branch and find out the ways in which they can provide support. And, for those wishing to find out more, they should call 08457 90 90 90 or visit: www.samaritans.org.”
Karen Adam is now the MSP for Banffshire and Buchan Coast
