Bold, unflinching, and deeply personal – Scotland’s new national suicide prevention campaign.   It’s been entirely co-produced by people with lived and living experience of suicide. In Orkney a new APP, SOS Orkney, has been developed.

There’s a website with a range of information, resources and a new local services directory at suicideprevention.scot 

The campaign asks a simple question, “What if a conversation about suicide could save a life?”

It features four people, each of whom agreed to share their story having been bereaved by, attempted or actively considered suicide. 

They do so by writing a letter to a loved one, or themself, which feature in a powerful new film.

The idea behind the campaign is that we need to normalise talking about suicide and give people the confidence to have a conversation that might just save someone’s life.

The four participants are Seonaid Stallan, Ross Cunningham, Clare Collin, and Laura Junor. They came together to share their letters and discuss their experiences, in a series of moving conversations.

In doing so they are creating a gamechanging moment when Scotland will start to have its biggest ever conversation about suicide. 

This is important, because suicide is a topic that makes many of us nervous; it can feel like the hardest thing in the world.

What if I say the wrong thing? Could I make the situation worse? Maybe I’m worrying over nothing and would look foolish to bring it up? 

But here’s something lots of people don’t realise.

Talking about suicide is the best way to prevent it from happening.

This work is led by Suicide Prevention Scotland, the community of organisations working to deliver the Scottish Government and COSLA’s joint suicide prevention strategy, Creating Hope Together.

There are four outcomes that shape the strategy with SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health) having responsibility for the key outcome that supports the campaign and website, improving understanding of suicide and tackling stigma.

In addition to those with their own experiences of suicide, the campaign was developed with a group of people which also included those with professional experience and academic expertise. Suicide prevention specialists from local areas (Fife and Ayrshire) were also involved, as was SeeMe, Scotland’s national programme to end mental health stigma and discrimination.

Suicide Prevention Scotland’s National Delivery Lead Haylis Smith who lost her uncle Joe to suicide said:

“This is an extraordinary campaign. It’s deeply moving, extremely personal, and yet is full of hope. It is also very bold, which is no wonder given it was completely co-produced with people who bring their own experiences.

“The message could not be clearer: if you’re worried about someone, ask them how they are, ask them if they are thinking about suicide. Talking about suicide is the best way to prevent it from happening. And if you’re worried about yourself, please reach out. It might be the bravest thing you ever have to do, but it will probably be the best thing you ever do, too.” 

Click here to Find support near you.

Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Wellbeing in the Scottish Government, Maree Todd commented: 

“I’m pleased to see the launch of this new suicide prevention campaign and website, which sit at the heart of Scottish Government and COSLA’s suicide prevention action plan. The campaign’s powerful message that talking openly about suicide saves lives, is a clear invitation to us all – and will help tackle the stubborn taboo of suicide.

“Importantly, the campaign provides free digital and physical resources which can be adapted to reach people within different communities. The new website is a great addition to support anyone affected by suicide and aims to encourage more people to speak up and ask for help.”

SOS Orkney

Orkney has developed a suicide prevention app – SOS Orkney – to help people stay safe from suicide. It was developed in a collaboration between the Orkney Partnership and the local Suicide Prevention Taskforce.

The app, which has been developed locally with the help of professionals and members of the public, can be downloaded from www.suicideorkneysupport.co.uk onto people’s smart devices. It has clear guidance showing people how to download the app.

If you are having thoughts of suicide, please reach out for help, speak to someone you trust or call one of these helplines:

• Samaritans 116 123 or use the online chat at samaritans.org
• Breathing Space 0800 83 85 87
• NHS 24 mental health hub on 111

If you are ever in immediate danger or have the means to cause yourself harm, you should dial 999 and request an ambulance.

Click on this link for support and information for anyone affected by suicide