Bid To Reduce Suicide

NHS Scotland Photo LibraryNHS Scotland Photo Library 2010 Picture by John Young / YoungMedia 2010

All NHS staff are to receive training to help reduce the number of suicides by 20% over the next four years. The move is part of a new national action plan announced by the Scottish Government which is setting up a National Suicide Prevention Leadership Group supported by a new £3 million innovation fund.

The group will be chaired by former Deputy Chief Constable Rose Fitzpatrick and, in addition to refreshing mental health and suicide prevention training, it will also develop digital technology to try to prevent suicide and launch a major public awareness campaign. All deaths by suicide will be reviewed and lessons shared with partners to act upon. In 2017, there were 680 probable deaths by suicide in Scotland and the action plan has been developed following extensive engagement with mental health and suicide prevention organisations, people affected by suicide and academics.

The aim is to create a Scotland where people at risk of suicide feel able to ask for help and have access to skilled staff and well-coordinated support. The Plan, which is called ‘Every Life Matters’ also aims to ensure that people affected by suicide are not alone, provide better support for the bereaved and reduce the stigma surrounding suicide.

You can read the report on the Scottish Government website

https://beta.gov.scot/publications/scotlands-suicide-prevention-action-plan-life-matters/