On Thursday 15 May 2025, the annual Creating Hope Together Conference took place in Glasgow.
Creating Hope Together is COSLA and Scottish Government’s joint suicide prevention strategy; it aims to reduce suicide whilst tackling the inequalities which contribute to higher risk of suicide. This year’s conference focused on key areas of inequality connected to suicide risk which have been identified through the last two years of delivery, including:
- Poverty
- Isolation and loneliness
- Alcohol and substance use
- Stigma and discrimination
- Transitions and life changes
The conference was attended by people working or volunteering in the public, private and third sectors who have a focus on suicide prevention (and/or the inequalities which contribute to suicide), as well as people from across Scotland with lived and living experience of suicide.
An ‘in-conversation with…’ session took place involving members of Suicide Prevention Scotland’s Lived and Living Experience Panel, COSLA’s Health and Social Care Spokesperson, Cllr Paul Kelly, and the Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport, Maree Todd. Reflecting on the importance of taking a whole-of-Local-Government approach to addressing the inequalities associated with increased risk of suicide, Cllr Kelly said:
“Local Government plays a wider, key role in primary prevention of suicide. Our work to support people across the social determinants of mental health, for example through reducing poverty, supporting employment and housing, helps to address the issues we know can increase the risk of suicide. We respond to local need to provide a wide range of support, services and professional expertise that promote positive mental health and support those who are struggling.”
The Creating Hope Together Conference follows last month’s launch of Scotland’s new national suicide prevention campaign. The campaign asks a simple question, “What if a conversation about suicide could save a life?” It features four people with lived and living experience of suicide, each of whom agreed to share their story having been bereaved by, attempted or actively considered suicide.
You can find out more about the campaign here, as well as a new website which hosts a range of information, resources and a local services directory to support all those involved in suicide prevention.
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.