This Challenge Poverty Week, we are reflecting on the impact of inequality in Scotland and how it shapes our work in Suicide Prevention.
We know that those living in poverty in Scotland are at higher risk of suicide. In 2024, the rate of probable suicide mortality in the most deprived areas in Scotland was 2.5 times higher than in the least deprived, according to data released by National Records of Scotland in 2025.
This is not okay. Behind these statistics are individuals experiencing overwhelming circumstances, like financial insecurity, employment insecurity, worries about supporting their families, and how to make their budget stretch to next payday. Our communities are still grappling with the cost of living, cuts to frontline services, and the ongoing impact of inequality on mental health and wellbeing.
A large part of our work revolves around campaigning to make lives better - to reduce poverty, improve wellbeing, to make sure the right support is there at the right time, and ultimately, to reduce deaths by suicide.
In 2024, we worked with University of Strathclyde on our 'Paid Yesterday, Broke Today' report, exploring the relationship between financial and employment insecurity and suicidal thoughts and behaviour. Participants in the research shared their experiences and a feeling of being trapped in a 'cycle of poverty' that was difficult to see a way out of.
This research helped inform our ‘Five Priorities to Save Lives’ manifesto ahead of the May 2026 Scottish Parliament election. In the manifesto, we set out five asks of the next Scottish Government that we believe will help to reduce the factors that contribute to suicidal thoughts and behaviour.
One of our asks is a Minimum Income Guarantee for Scotland. We believe that by implementing this, those at greatest risk will be better protected; helping to provide a more dignified quality of life and a sense of financial security.
Another of our asks focused on the stigma faced by people seeking financial support. In the ‘Paid Yesterday, Broke Today’ research, participants spoke about a sense of shame and embarrassment around struggling to support themselves or their family, often reinforced by how they were treated when they reached out for help.
For someone already struggling, asking for help can be a difficult and vulnerable step. If that experience leaves them feeling judged, embarrassed, or ashamed, they may be less likely to seek help again and continue to struggle without support. Everybody should feel safe and confident to access the services that they need when they need them, free from stigma and fear. This is why we called for an end to harmful stigma through workforce training in our 2026 manifesto.
We want to make sure staff working in financial and employment support services have the training, skills, and confidence to work with vulnerable people and to better understand the impact of frontline services on the people accessing them.
It is vital that we recognise the devastating impact that suicide has on people’s lives and work to address the factors that contribute to suicide risk. Our vision is that fewer people die by suicide, that people feel able to ask for help when they are struggling, and where the right support is available at the right time.
