Creating Hope Together: Scotland's Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2026-2029

Sources Of Support

We know that the content in this action plan may impact emotionally on those reading this document. Support is always available.

Suicide Prevention Scotland’s website has been designed to provide support and information to anyone affected by suicide, including people at risk of suicide, including those who care for people at risk as professionals or as family/friends and those bereaved by suicide. The website provides access to a selection of high-quality resources, tools and contacts for anyone affected by suicide.

Support is also available from the following sources^[1]:

• Samaritans provide confidential non-judgemental emotional support, 24 hours a day, for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair. You can contact Samaritans free on 116 123. You can find our more information from the Samaritans website
• Breathing Space offers free and confidential advice for those aged over 16 experiencing low mood, depression or anxiety, whatever the cause. They can be contacted on 0800 83 85 87, 6pm to 2am Monday to Thursday and 6pm Friday through the weekend to 6am Monday. Calls to Breathing Space are free from landlines and from mobile networks. Their website provides a wide range of information and advice about coping with low mood, depression and anxiety
• Childline is a free service for children and young people, for whenever they need support or advice. It is open 24/7, and there are many ways to get support. You can call 0800 1111. Other ways to contact them are set out on the Childline website
• the 111 Mental Health Hub – a free, confidential, NHS service available 24 hours a day. The Hub is for anyone in Scotland who needs urgent support for mental health concerns including thoughts of self-harm and suicide. There is no age limit. Call 111
• if you feel like you are at risk of self-harming or have suicidal thoughts, we would strongly urge you to contact your GP to discuss your 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 healthcare is available from NHS 24 111. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• if you are ever in immediate danger or have the means to cause yourself any harm, you should dial 999 and request an ambulance