Commenting on the Probable Suicides, 2022 statistics, Mental
Wellbeing Minister said:
“I want to extend my heartfelt sympathies and deepest condolences
to the families who have lost someone to suicide. It is important
to take a moment to remember each of the 762 people who died by
suicide last year.
“Every suicide is a tragedy with a far-reaching impact on family,
friends and the wider community. Our aim is for any child, young
person or adult who has thoughts of taking their own life, or are
affected by suicide, to get the help they need and feel a sense
of hope. Our ambitious suicide prevention strategy is underpinned
by significant investment of £2.5m in 2023-24, and a commitment
to double suicide prevention annual funding to £2.8m by 2026.
“The Scottish Government is working with all key national and
local partners to ensure that people with urgent mental health
care needs get the right help, in the right place, at the right
time no matter where they live. Our joint suicide prevention
strategy with COSLA, Creating Hope Together, sets out our plan to
reduce the number of suicides whilst also tackling the
inequalities which contribute to suicide.
“The strategy is supported by a 3-year action plan. A key
priority is to create more high-quality peer support groups for
people affected by suicide to support their recovery, which
complements the support that is available from services. Our
other priorities include, continuing to improve the support
people receive when in suicidal crisis using the Time, Space
Compassion approach, building tailored support for children and
young people, tackling stigma and raising awareness about
suicide, and focussing on key settings with higher risk of
suicide.
“We are also working closely with partners to roll out suicide
bereavement support for families bereaved by suicide, and this
will be informed by our current pilots in Highland and Ayrshire
& Arran.
“I would strongly urge anyone feeling suicidal, to contact their
GP to discuss their wellbeing. GPs are best placed to advise and
guide people regarding appropriate treatment or management of
symptoms. If support is required outside of GP opening hours,
telephone advice and support on mental health and wellbeing is
available from NHS 24’s Mental Health Hub on the short code 111.
This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. And, if
anyone is ever in immediate danger or have the means to cause
yourself any harm, they should dial 999 and request an
ambulance.”
Background
Probable Suicides | National
Records of Scotland (nrscotland.gov.uk)
Creating Hope Together: suicide
prevention strategy 2022 to 2032 - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
Suicide prevention action plan:
2023 to 2024 priorities - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
Creating Hope Together: suicide
prevention strategy 2022 to 2032 - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
