COSLA's Health and Social Care Spokesperson, Councillor Paul Kelly, has commented today following news of a small increase in the number of probable suicide deaths in 2022.

Councillor Kelly said:

"Today we reflect on the news that there were 762 probable suicide deaths in Scotland in 2022 – sadly, that's an increase of 1.2% on 2021.

Firstly, my thoughts go out to all those affected by the loss of a loved one through suicide. It’s important that we remember that every suicide death represents not simply a statistic, but a real person’s life ended too soon, and their loved ones affected by a truly painful loss.

Implementing Creating Hope Together, our strategy and action plan, will build on previous action on suicide prevention and see us work closely and diligently with our partner organisations across Government, and in the public and charity sectors through Suicide Prevention Scotland to prevent suicide deaths.

There is help available and I would encourage anyone who is having thoughts of suicide to either visit your GP or call a helpline like the Samaritans on 116 123 or Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87, or contact the dedicated mental health hub at NHS 24 on 111."

Further information

COSLA is part of  Suicide Prevention Scotland, a group of organisations working together to prevent suicide deaths.

You can read Scotland's suicide prevention strategy: Creating Hope Together here.