Poem of Hope Bids to Tackle Railway Suicides

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

A poem penned by a Paisley healthcare worker, which offers support to those at risk of suicide, has been selected to be displayed in Johnstone railway station as part of the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival. 

The poem entitled ‘I am here’ was written by primary care liaison worker, Margaret Cook, to reduce the stigma of mental health and risk of suicide in train stations. 

Approximately 250 people in Scotland take their lives at railway stations every year and Margaret hopes that if her poem stops one person attempting to take their life then she has made a difference. 

The poem is part of the ‘Passing Time’ exhibition that displays poetry across seven station platforms in Renfrewshire and Inverclyde.  The theme for this year’s exhibition is ‘Reclaim’ and the exhibition is open to clients known to mental health services, members of supported and mainstream poetry groups and the wider public who respond to the theme of mental wellbeing. 

Margaret, who is part of the Doing Well Primary Care Community Mental Health Team, based at Paisley’s Abbey Mill Centre said: “Suicide at railway stations is, sadly, not an uncommon tragedy.  I felt motivated to write this poem to let people with mental health problems know that they are not alone. That there is always hope and caring staff, who are there to support and listen.” 

Scot Little is Margaret’s Team Leader. He said:  “Margaret is a very caring professional who has captured the feelings and emotions of not only nursing but other mental health caring services. She is very dedicated in her role and regularly displays the best qualities of a caring professional.” 

Margaret’s poem, along with other winning entries, will be on display until May 2019. 

ENDS 

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