An app designed to help prevent suicides in the north-east has been used more than 13,000 times since it was launched nine months ago.
The app – which is available on all Windows, Apple, Android and Amazon devices – is a way to learn about suicide prevention without having to speak directly to mental health services.
Users get access to a huge range of support organisations and can write their own safety plan to help get them through difficult periods.
The project has been funded by NHS Grampian and supported by Aberdeen City, Moray and Aberdeenshire councils.
Iain Murray, the region’s Choose Life coordinator, said: “The number of people accessing the app proves there is a real need for this in the north-east of Scotland.
“It has also coincided with a drop in the number of suicides in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire which is very welcome.”
Recent figures have shown a 27% decrease in the number people who have been lost to suicide in Aberdeen this year, and a
16% decrease in Aberdeenshire.
This year, there was also an unprecedented 12-week period where there were no suicides at all in Aberdeenshire or Aberdeen city.
Mr Murray added: “We are aware that this is a difficult time of year for many people, and the important message to anyone struggling is that help is just one click or phone call away.”
People can download the app from Google Play or the App Store. They can visit the website at www.preventsuicideapp.com or alternatively, call Samaritans on 116 123 or Breathing Space on 0800 838 587.