Increased rates of suicide in Scotland – what’s being done?
‘Distressing’ report from National Records of Scotland shows that 792 people took their own lives in 2023 – an increase of 30 on the previous year. We look at what’s being done to bring the numbers down.
Maree Todd, Scotland’s Minister for Mental Well-being, has described a rise in the number of probably last year as ‘distressing’, but that she is determined to deliver change.
Photo by Chris Robert
To reduce the number of deaths by suicide in Scotland, the Scottish government is working in partnership with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) to support anyone at risk of suicide or affected by it.
These efforts include tackling underlying factors that can lead to suicide. These include such matters as inequalities, stigma and discrimination – which hall all been exacerbated by the pandemic and cost of living crisis.
Self-harm is also a risk factor for suicide, so last year saw the launch of the world’s first action plan focused solely on tackling this issue. Among the initiatives, funding has been provided for a new service to support anyone affected by self-harm. This compassionate support means people can get the help they need without fear of stigma or discrimination.
Maree Todd, Minister for Mental Well-being, says: ‘This report makes for distressing reading and my sincere condolences go out to all those who have been affected by the loss of a loved one by suicide. I am determined that together with COSLA and other partners we reduce the number of deaths by suicide and improve the nation’s mental health as a whole. The ambition and innovation in Scotland’s suicide prevention approach is widely recognised. However, we know there is always more to do.
‘We are working hard with communities and services to help people talk more openly about suicide and offer compassionate support. We are prioritising reaching more people at higher risk of suicide, including those living in poverty, middle aged men, and LGBT communities. We are launching an online portal to ensure people feeling suicidal know where to go for help. The introduction of suicide reviews this year will also help us spot missed opportunities to support people and importantly use that learning to redesign services.
‘Our wider actions around mental health are also helping to prevent suicide. They include funding more than 800 additional mental health workers in A&E departments, GP practices, police custody suites and prisons, and investing in our Communities Mental Health and Well-being Fund which prioritises suicide prevention and social isolation projects.’
Professor Rory O’Connor, Chair of the Scottish Government’s Suicide Prevention Academic Advisory Group, adds: ‘Similar to other countries, sadly an increase is not unexpected given the challenges of recent years, including the cost-of-living crisis and the economic downturn which have led to financial and social hardship for so many. Every single death is heart-breaking, leaving behind devastated families, friends and communities. We need to continue to do everything we can to ensure that those at risk of suicide receive the care and support that they need when they need it.’
Cllr Shona Morrison, President of COSLA, says: ‘As the voice of Local Government in Scotland, COSLA has taken a strong position on the importance of the mental health and wellbeing of our communities and the need to tackle inequalities that contribute to suicide risk. There is a considerable amount of work taking place across local areas in Scotland which supports delivery of the Suicide Prevention Strategy.
‘We firmly believe that no death by suicide is acceptable, and we remain committed to working in partnership with Scottish Government to realise the ambitions of our joint strategy Creating Hope Together to reduce deaths by suicide, whilst tackling the inequalities which contribute to suicide.’
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