Across Scotland, people working with and for children and young people are already doing important work to support wellbeing, build relationships, create safer spaces and respond with care when children and young people are experiencing distress.
On 9 November, we are bringing colleagues together to think about how we put children’s rights, participation and inclusion at the centre of suicide prevention for children and young people. The event will create space for those working strategically on suicide prevention locally, and those working directly with children and families, to share practice, learn from each other and explore what a rights-based approach looks like in reality.
The day will be grounded in children’s rights, with a focus on non-discrimination, best interests, the right to life, survival and development, and the right of children and young people to be heard and have their views given due weight. These are principles that can shape very practical decisions about how support is designed, funded, communicated, accessed and delivered.
Why this matters
We know that sadly a quarter (25.7%) of all deaths among 5-24-year-olds were probable suicides. This compares to 1.2% of all deaths among those aged 25 and over. (Suicide among young people in Scotland - A report from the Scottish Suicide Information Database 6 September 2022 - Scottish suicide information database - Publications - Public Health Scotland)
Given this we know more needs to be done to empower us all to take a preventative approach to suicide. One that recognises it is everyone’s business, but it must be done carefully and with children and young people’s rights at the centre.
What to expect on the day
During the day, we will have an input from The Children’s Commissioner as well as other guest speakers and participants will be able to take part in workshops and discussions focused on areas including rights-based crisis support, learning session on how to ask and respond to young person is in distress, peer support, participation and coproduction, inequalities, education, neurodiversity, and Time, Space and Compassion.
We want the day to be useful, practical and grounded in the realities of people’s work. There will be space to share examples, ask questions, explore challenges and identify practical steps that can help make suicide prevention support more accessible, inclusive and meaningful for children, young people and families.
Who should attend?
This event is for colleagues across the children’s sector who have a role in supporting children and young people. This may include practitioners, service managers, participation and engagement workers, policy and improvement colleagues, education staff, health and social care partners, youth work colleagues, third sector organisations, commissioners and local suicide prevention leads.
Whether you are developing strategy, delivering support, shaping participation, reviewing practice or working directly with children and young people, we would really value your voice in the room.
Join us
Please join us on 9 November, 10.30am to 3.30pm, at the COSLA Building, to explore how we can strengthen children’s rights-based approaches to suicide prevention with children and young people. You can get your free ticket here: SPPN Meeting 19
Together, we can create space for shared learning, strengthen our collective practice and support a Scotland where children and young people are listened to, valued and able to access the support they need.
