Samaritans Scotland welcomes the First Minister’s announcement of additional funding towards mental health in Scotland.
Samaritans Scotland welcomes the First Minister’s announcement of additional funding towards mental health in Scotland. This funding will be directed towards supporting people most at risk through community initiatives before they reach crisis point.
Ahead of the 2026 Holyrood Election, we’re asking all political parties in Scotland to make suicide prevention a priority, with Increasing Resources for Community Services being one of our key asks in our Five Priorities to Save Lives manifesto.
Our recent ‘Paid Yesterday, Broke Today’ research highlighted the importance of social connection as a key protective factor against suicidal thoughts and behaviour. Participants spoke about the role of friends, family, community groups, and support services in providing them with hope for the future.
Local and community-led organisations and projects carry out amazing work every day, and they are key in providing the human connection that can help to tackle loneliness and isolation.
We welcome this step taken by the Scottish Government and hope to see support for mental wellbeing prioritised further.