New Suicide Prevention Action Plan published
A new national action plan setting out Scotland's priorities for
suicide prevention over the next three years has been backed by
an increased budget of at least £3 million in 2026-27.
Creating Hope Together: Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2026–2029
aims to reduce suicide deaths, address the inequalities that can
increase risk, and ensure anyone affected by suicide can access
timely, compassionate support.
It's the next phase of Scotland's ambitious ten-year suicide
prevention strategy, jointly led by the Scottish Government and
COSLA, and focuses on four priorities:
- supporting people at greatest risk of suicide, and creating
safer environments
- building understanding about suicide and capability to
respond across communities
- ensuring access to timely and compassionate support
- strengthening foundations for effective delivery through
improved data, evidence and collaboration
The latest official statistics from National Records of Scotland
show the number of probable suicides in 2024 decreased by 11%
compared to 2023 - the lowest number since 2017.
Total mental health spending is expected to exceed £1.5 billion
in 2026-27.
Minister for Social Care and Mental Wellbeing said:
"Every person lost to suicide is a tragedy with far reaching
impacts on families, friends and communities. Suicide prevention
is everyone's business, and I am determined that everyone has
timely access to the right mental health support. While the
latest official statistics show a decrease in the number of
probable suicides, there is no room for complacency.
“The suicide prevention funding has increased to at least £3
million in 2026–27, up from £2.8 million. The increased budget
will allow us to focus on tackling the stigma of suicide,
encouraging people to seek help, and providing a range of support
for people affected by suicide.
“The new plan is focused on prevention, early intervention and
reaching those who need support most, including young people and
those impacted by social inequalities, stigma and discrimination.
I want to thank Suicide Prevention Scotland and the many other
local and national partners, especially those with lived
experience, who helped shape this Plan.”
Cllr Paul Kelly, COSLA Spokesperson for Health and Social Care
“Suicide Prevention cannot be achieved by working in silos. We
need to work across government – local and national – and with
our communities to address the complex factors involved in
creating conditions that can increase suicide risk, as well as
harnessing those that promote better mental wellbeing.
"This new action plan is informed by learning from both national
and local delivery and emerging practice. It builds on the
ambition and achievements of the previous plan, accelerating
progress towards our shared vision: that everyone in Scotland can
access the right support at the right time.”
Declan Harrigan - CEO – S.M.I.L.E. Counselling
“S.M.I.L.E. Counselling warmly welcomes the Suicide Prevention
Action Plan 2026–2029 and is hopeful that its ambitions can be
fully realised through strong partnership working across the
third sector, statutory services and communities. The clear focus
on children and young people, early intervention, and addressing
inequalities reflects what we know is needed to prevent suicide
and save lives.
“We strongly support the plan's emphasis on community-based
approaches and believe that increased training and development at
a local level around suicide prevention, intervention and
postvention is pivotal. By building confidence, reducing stigma
and equipping communities with the right skills and compassion,
we can work together to create suicide-safer environments and,
wherever possible, prevent deaths by suicide.
“We look forward to continuing to play an active role alongside
partners in supporting children, young people and families, and
in helping to turn this shared vision into meaningful,
life-saving action.”
The plan builds on the learning from delivering the first action
plan, drawing on academic research, insights from Suicide
Prevention Scotland, local and national delivery partners, and
the voices of people with experience of suicide, including
children, young people and their families.
Background
Creating Hope Together:
Scotland's Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2026-2029 -
gov.scot
Creating Hope Together: suicide
prevention strategy 2022 to 2032 - gov.scot
Vital Events Reference Tables
2024 - National Records of Scotland (NRS)
