Samaritans Scotland has welcomed being appointed a lead partner in Suicide Prevention Scotland, a new initiative in delivering Scotland’s Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2022-25.
Samaritans Scotland will lead on Outcome 1, which will focus on the environment we live in and aim to encourage a whole society approach to address the social determinants with the greatest link to suicide risk.
It will also consider ‘access to means’, examining locations of concern, and work with the local and national media to raise awareness of the responsible reporting of suicide.
Neil Mathers, Executive Director of Samaritans Scotland, said: “We are delighted to have been appointed as Outcome 1 Lead for ‘Creating Hope Together’ and look forward to working with the Scottish Government, COSLA and a variety of partners on this ambitious strategy to reduce deaths by suicide in Scotland.”
Mental Wellbeing Minister Maree Todd said: “Together with COSLA we are fully committed to reducing suicide deaths in Scotland. This announcement of our year one priorities is a real milestone in delivering our new ambitious strategy Creating Hope Together, and we are focusing on reaching people who may be at risk of suicide and working to tackle the inequalities which can lead to suicide.
“Our new innovative partnership model is now in place to deliver this ambition programme of work, and our new Advisory Group brings great expertise and impartiality to oversee and champion the work, making sure our work leads to real change on the ground right across Scotland.
“I am pleased to say that the Scottish Government is well on track to doubling the suicide prevention budget by 2026, with funding last year well over £2 million. I would like to pay real thanks to the Suicide Prevention Lived Experience Panel and Youth Advisory Group, and all partners. I look forward to undertaking this incredibly important work together.”
For more information about Suicide Prevention Scotland, click here