We spoke to Jim Hume, Director of Public Affairs and Communications at Change Mental Health to find out why it's important to seek help and advice at the earliest opportunity if you have a firearms or shotgun and are experiencing poor mental health.
Jim advised: "Mental health and wellbeing is paramount to ensure that you are looked after at the earliest opportunity and before any issues get worse. That is why if you or someone you know is experiencing poor mental health that they know where to get support and know that the sooner that is done then the more likely the person will improve and thrive.
"Many of you may have a firearms or shotgun that you need for work or pleasure. Firearms and Shotgun licensing rightly needs a letter from your GP to ensure that there isn’t any risk to life for anyone that needs those tools for their work or leisure. Everyone involved in licensing recognises that guns can be an essential part of employment and social pursuits. The Police need to examine and assess any concerns regarding a certificate holder and should do so sympathetically and proportionately. The priority for the Police Firearms Licensing Teams is to ensure public safety but that does not mean that every case of poor mental health will result in the loss of certificates.
"To look after your mental health, it is essential that you get support at the earliest opportunity, and to support this message the National Rural Mental Health Forum run by the mental health charity Change Mental Health with the Police and the Firearms’ Practitioners’ Group, including the Scottish Association for Country Sports, have developed a leaflet that now goes out to all shotgun, firearms and air weapon certificate holders in Scotland when they apply or renew their certificates.
"The leaflet below explains the support available to you, and the responsibilities you have, if you are struggling with your mental health. If you’re a firearms certificate holder, you may be worried about saying you are not feeling OK. Every concern is handled in a supportive and understanding way. Don’t be afraid to seek help – it is the right thing to do for you, your family, friends and community."
Where can I turn for help?
Below are the contact details for organisations able to help or signpost you in the right direction:
Police Firearms Licensing Teams can be contacted on 101 for help and advice on all firearms licensing matters.
NHS 24 t: 111 or 999 in an emergency
Samaritans t: 116 123 e: jo@samaritans.org
Breathing Space (Scotland) t: 0800 83 85 87
Change Mental Health t: 0808 8010 515 e: advice@changemh.org
Clic – free online community w: clic-uk.org SHOUT Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258
BASC Scotland t: 01350 723 226
Scottish Association for Country Sports (SACS) t: 01350 724 228
Gamekeepers’ Welfare Trust t: 0300 123 3088
RSABI t: 0808 1234 555
