Suicide prevention plan to encourage more people to seek support

Ministers hope that a new national action plan for suicide prevention in Scotland will encourage more people to seek help.

The strategy sets out Scotland’s priorities for suicide prevention over the next three years and has been backed by an increased budget of at least £3 million in 2026-27.

The Creating Hope Together: Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2026–2029 plan aims to reduce suicide deaths, address the inequalities that can increase risk and ensure anyone affected by suicide can access timely, compassionate support.

Total mental health spending is expected to exceed £1.5 billion in 2026-27.

Latest official statistics from National Records of Scotland show the number of probable suicides in 2024 decreased by 11% compared to 2023 – the lowest number since 2017.

Social care and mental wellbeing minister Tom Arthur said that while suicide statistics were dropping, there is “no room for complacency”.

He said: “Every person lost to suicide is a tragedy with far-reaching impacts on families, friends and communities.

“Suicide prevention is everyone’s business and I am determined that everyone has timely access to the right mental health support.

“While the latest official statistics show a decrease in the number of probable suicides, there is no room for complacency.

“The suicide prevention funding has increased to at least £3 million in 2026–27, up from £2.8 million.

“The increased budget will allow us to focus on tackling the stigma of suicide, encouraging people to seek help, and providing a range of support for people affected by suicide.”

The plan marks the next phase of Scotland’s 10-year suicide prevention strategy which is jointly led by the Scottish Government and local government body Cosla.

The strategy aims to support people at greatest risk of suicide and create safer environments.

It also aims to build an understanding about suicide and capability to respond across communities, ensuring access to timely and compassionate support.

Mr Arthur added: “The new plan is focused on prevention, early intervention and reaching those who need support most, including young people and those impacted by social inequalities, stigma and discrimination.

“I want to thank Suicide Prevention Scotland and the many other local and national partners, especially those with lived experience, who helped shape this plan.”

Councillor Paul Kelly, Cosla spokesman for health and social care, said: “Suicide prevention cannot be achieved by working in silos.

“We need to work across government – local and national – and with our communities to address the complex factors involved in creating conditions that can increase suicide risk, as well as harnessing those that promote better mental wellbeing.

“This new action plan is informed by learning from both national and local delivery and emerging practice.

“It builds on the ambition and achievements of the previous plan, accelerating progress towards our shared vision: that everyone in Scotland can access the right support at the right time.”

The Scottish Government has said the plan builds on delivery of the first action plan.

Officials have drawn on academic research, insights from Suicide Prevention Scotland, local and national delivery partners and the voices of people with experience of suicide, including children, young people and their families.