Suicide prevention
Our vision is to reduce the number of suicide deaths in Scotland, whilst tackling the inequalities which contribute to suicide.
We know that to achieve this, all sectors must come together in partnership, and we must support our communities, so they become safe, compassionate, inclusive, and free of stigma. 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.
See a list of sources of support.
Creating Hope Together - Scotland’s suicide prevention strategy 2022 to 2032
In September 2022 we published the 10 year suicide prevention strategy and the first three-year suicide prevention action plan (2022-2025), jointly with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA). The second three-year suicide prevention action plan (2026-2029) was published in January 2026. We have also published an ‘at a glance' guide to the action plan.
The suicide prevention strategy uses an outcomes based model to set out the range of changes (outcomes) that we understand are needed in achieving this vision.
Each year we set annual priorities which are selected to progress delivery of our outcomes and vision. We are measuring our progress against an outcomes framework (June 2023). We will use this framework to prioritise our work, measure progress, and assess where we may need to adjust our plans. We will also use it to report progress against and in our annual reports.
Our work is supported by annual delivery plans which set out the actions for delivery over the Creating Hope Together action plan:
Funding
In 2021, we committed to doubling the funding for suicide prevention from £1.4 to £2.8m, by 2026. We achieved this in financial year 2025/26, and our funding in 2026/27 will be at least £3m.
Suicide Prevention Scotland
Suicide Prevention Scotland is the delivery collective responsible for implementation of Creating Hope Together, Scotland’s suicide prevention strategy and action plan.
This includes people at a national and local level, as well as within key sectors and particular settings.
Suicide Prevention Scotland will:
- deliver the action plan
- ensure national, local and sectoral actions are well co-ordinated and mutually supportive
- create a community open to anyone across Scotland working on suicide prevention to share, learn and connect
The Suicide Prevention Scotland website was launched in 2025. As well as the information above, the website also includes information on our awareness raising campaign, upcoming events, how to get involved in our work, podcasts and where to find Suicide Prevention Scotland on social media.
Suicide Prevention Scotland publish annual reports which provide an update on progress on delivering the Action Plan and on achieving the outcomes:
Key roles
The delivery of the action plan is led by our Suicide Prevention National Delivery Lead, Haylis Smith, who also leads Suicide Prevention Scotland.
We have selected a range of partners to lead the strategic delivery of each of the strategy’s four Outcomes as part of our approach to continue to strengthen partnership working. Suicide Prevention Scotland will also build further partnerships as the priority actions are delivered.
The strategic outcome lead partners are:
Outcome one – Samaritans Scotland
The environment we live in promotes conditions which protect against suicide risk. This includes our psychological, social, cultural, economic and physical environment.
Outcome two – Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH)
Our communities have a clear understanding of suicide, risk factors and its prevention. This is so that people and organisations are more able to respond in helpful and informed ways when they, or others, need support.
Outcome three – Penumbra and Change Mental Health
Everyone affected by suicide is able to access high quality, compassionate, appropriate and timely support which promotes wellbeing and recovery. This applies to all children, young people and adults who experience suicidal thoughts and behaviour, anyone who cares for them, and anyone affected by suicide in other ways.
Outcome four – Public Health Scotland
Our approach to suicide prevention is well planned and delivered, through close collaboration between national, local and sectoral partners. Our work is designed with lived experience insight, practice, data, research and intelligence. We improve our approach through regular monitoring, evaluation and review.
Groups
The National Suicide Prevention Advisory Group (NSPAG) was set up in 2023 to champion and drive suicide prevention in Scotland. See more information about membership, reports and minutes from meetings.
Lived experience is central to our work. We have established a Lived and Living Experience Panel and a Youth Advisory Group to ensure these voices meaningfully shape and guide our work. An Academic Advisory Group also supports our work to ensure it is informed by the latest research and evidence.
Suicide statistics
Suicide statistics are published annually for the previous year by National Records of Scotland (NRS).
Training
A range of free and accessible learning resources including Ask Tell Respond resources on self harm and suicide prevention are available through the NHS Education for Scotland (NES) TURAS platform and Public Health Scotland website.
Suicide Prevention Scotland has also produced a number of resources for people working in suicide prevention.