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Suicide prevention: getting involved

Suicide prevention is everyone’s business, we can all take action no matter how big or small.

All sectors in our communities can get involved to start the conversation on suicide prevention. This includes:

  • organisations
  • researchers
  • clinicians
  • practitioners
  • politicians and policymakers
  • volunteers
  • those bereaved by suicide
  • those with lived experience

Everyone is at a different stage in their understanding and awareness of suicide prevention but there are many ways to be involved.

Suicide prevention action for individuals

Check in and reach out

Taking time to reach out to someone in your community, a family member, friend, colleague or even a stranger, could change the course of another’s life.

Look out for those who you think might be struggling and don’t be afraid to ask someone if they are suicidal.

If you are worried that somebody is suicidal, you can ask them if you feel comfortable doing so. Research shows that talking to someone openly about suicide does not increase their risk of taking their own life.

Offering support, showing empathy and compassion and validating their feelings is more likely to reduce distress, rather than make it worse or cause harm.

If you are worried that someone is having suicidal thoughts:

  • Ask: Start a conversation. Ask them how they are feeling and if they are thinking about suicide. Be direct and clear.
  • Listen: Really listen to what is being said. Try not to interrupt, dismiss the person’s feelings or give advice, and keep the conversation going.
  • Support: Encourage them to speak to someone who can help. If you think they are in immediate danger, don’t leave them alone. Contact the emergency services, a crisis line, a health worker or family member.
  • Self care: Supporting others can be hard, so it’s important to look after your own wellbeing too.

You can visit:

  • our mental health and wellbeing section for ideas on how to stay well and look after your own mental wellbeing
  • NHS Inform for more information about offering support to someone you’re worried is suicidal

Keep informed

To learn more about how to support people with thoughts of suicide and how to feel more equipped to have these conversations, consider taking part in local training opportunities.

Suicide prevention training highlights the importance of starting conversations, how to identify when someone may need support and how to increase your confidence in supporting those in distress.

See our information about suicide prevention training in Ayrshire and Arran, or contact chooselife@aapct.scot.nhs.uk with any queries.

Advocate for mental health awareness

Promote mental health awareness within your community, by using social media, local events or even casual conversations to help spread the message.

Visit our mental health and wellbeing section for key messages, information and resources.

Suicide prevention action for community

There are lots of ways that communities can support suicide prevention. Here are some ideas:

  • Organise, or get involved with, community events
  • Organise awareness raising events such as social activities, workshops, or a community walk to educate people about mental health, and supporting those in need.
  • Consider displaying and providing leaflets and posters. Mental wellbeing and suicide prevention resources can be accessed in various places, including:

Just as there has been growing awareness of mental health in the workplace, conversation around suicide and preventing suicide is also needed. Employers have a duty of care to workers and ensuring their health, safety and wellbeing. Taking steps to create an open, supportive, non-judgmental work environment can help reduce stigma and discrimination, which otherwise can prevent people from getting help.

Here are some useful websites with information that can support workplaces to create supportive environments:

  • The Health and Safety Executive promotes action that prevents or tackles risks to workers physical and mental health
  • See Me is Scotland’s Programme to tackle mental health stigma and discrimination

If your workplace would like support to better understand how you can promote and support the mental health and wellbeing of your employees and create a suicide-aware organisation, please get in touch with our Public Health Workplace Team: aa-uhb.hwl@aapct.scot.nhs.uk