Question reference: S6W-03588
- Asked by: Sharon Dowey, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 7 October 2021
-
Current status: Answered by Kevin Stewart on 25 October 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the ambition set out in its Suicide Prevention Action Plan to reduce suicide rates by 20% by 2022.
Answer
The Scottish Government launched its Suicide Prevention Action Plan (SPAP) ‘Every Life Matters’ in 2018. It contains a target to “reduce the rate of suicide by 20% by 2022 (from a 2017 baseline)” and outlines 10 actions to help achieve that goal.
The baseline rate of suicide in 2017 was based on a five-year average (2013-2017). The equivalent rate for the period ending in 2022 will be calculated in the same way, using data for the whole period 2018-2022, which will be available from National Records of Scotland (NRS) in mid to late 2023.
The National Suicide Prevention Leadership Group (NSPLG) reports annually on progress in taking forward actions in the SPAP and on supplementary recommendations agreed since publication. Its most recent annual report was issued in September 2021.
Many of the key deliverables of the Action Plan have been achieved to date, including the launch of Scotland’s social movement: ‘United to Prevent Suicide’; production of learning resources on suicide prevention, mental health and self-harm; guidance to encourage, inform, and support local suicide prevention approaches; and the launch of a pilot service to support those bereaved by suicide.
We have accepted recent recommendations made by the NSPLG in its report on improving support for suicidal crisis. These recommendations will be taken forward by a new National Lead and a dedicated Suicidal Crisis Support Action Group.
Furthermore we are working with COSLA and stakeholders to develop a new long-term suicide prevention strategy for Scotland. The strategy will be published in September 2022, supported by a clear delivery plan, and underpinned by a commitment to double suicide prevention spending by the end of this Parliament.