A rally highlighting the rising number of young people taking their own lives has been hailed a success.

The Give Youth a Chance rally was organised by FAMS (Families and Friends Affected by Murder and Suicide).

In July the Wishaw charity lodged a petition in the Scottish Parliament calling for mandatory suicide awareness education for all high school pupils.

Central Scotland MSP Monica Lennon joined the rally in Glasgow’s George Square on Sunday.

The politician is backing the petition and has raised the matter with education secretary John Swinney.

“Suicide is something that can touch anyone’s family,” she said.

“Early intervention is really important. Children need to understand how to talk about their feelings, so they’re not frightened of their own emotions.”

FAMS co-founder Ann Marie Cocozza believes educating young people to help prevent mental health issues arising in the first place is the way forward.