POLICE officers in Fife are having to deal with suicides on an almost daily basis, according to one senior cop.

Local Area Commander for South West Fife, Chief Inspector Michael Williamson, has urged anyone struggling to speak out and seek help.

His words come after the Press launched our new campaign, We Need To Talk, which aims to raise awareness of mental health issues after the tragedies that have affected our area in recent weeks.

We aim to raise awareness of mental health, combat its stigma and support agencies and charities trying to help those in crisis.

Chief Inspector Williamson said: "Sadly, on an almost daily basis, my officers will respond to a report of a death, which turns out to be a suicide. It is our job thereafter to ensure all the appropriate inquiries are conducted and to submit a report to the procurator fiscal.

"We will also then look to offer that individual's family as much support as they need, at what is undoubtedly a very difficult time for them."

He said efforts were made continuously to try to help a person before everything gets too much and they feel there is no other way out.

"Within South West Fife, and throughout Scotland, we are committed to protecting vulnerable people from harm and, where necessary, signposting people experiencing difficulty to our relevant partners so that they can receive all the relevant assistance they may require," added Chief Inspector Williamson.

"If, during the course of our duties, we come into contact with someone with whom we have genuine concern for their mental health, we will liaise closely with colleagues within the NHS and Social Work as part of the collaborative approach we take to assisting people with vulnerabilities.

"As an employer, particularly as an organisation that regularly responds to harrowing or traumatic incidents, we have a responsibility to safeguard our staff's mental health and wellbeing. We will always provide our officers and support staff with appropriate assistance if they are struggling with any issues in either their personal or professional lives.

"Please remember that it is OK to not be OK and seek help if you feel you require it."