How young people are changing the narrative to prevent suicide in Scotland

Tuesday 10 September 2024 marked World Suicide Prevention Day. As part of our work with the Suicide Prevention Youth Advisory Group (click here for more), we took the opportunity to consider how group members, who are aged between 16-24, feel their work contributes to this year’s theme of Changing the Narrative.

Last week, across Suicide Prevention Scotland’s social media, we saw examples of inspiring work that is contributing to changing the narrative (click here for more). Children in Scotland is proud to be part of this work and the ongoing effort to reduce the number of deaths by suicide in Scotland. Our work with the Suicide Prevention Youth Advisory Group and Participation Network is a key part of this effort. These groups provide an opportunity for young people and the practitioners working with them to meaningfully shape and influence policy development and delivery in Scotland.

Across the last 12 months, we have explored key issues for young people including peer support, help-seeking behaviour, the development of the United to Prevent Suicide Social Movement and crisis support. We have also contributed to the ongoing development of work led by Jenny Ferguson from COSLA on the needs of children and young people. All of our activity has helped to ensure the views of young people are at the centre of action to prevent suicide in Scotland, and that policy development and implementation truly reflect their needs and experiences.

A current member of the group, Skye, highlights:

"I believe the work we are doing with Jenny and other organisations to improve the work around suicide prevention is changing the narrative in a positive way. Being a part of this group has made me feel more confident in the fact we are changing society for the better and that young people are going to get the support they deserve."

Skye’s words reflect how we can shift narratives around suicide by giving power and value to voices of lived experience.

From our work with the group, it is also clear that developing safe, open spaces to talk about suicidality helps to shift the narrative.

Jess, a current member of the group, said:

"I feel like I am changing the narrative on suicide by having open and honest conversations with people, whether this be through work done with the Youth Advisory Group, in my work roles or just in my personal life. By having these conversations and not dancing around the topic, I feel it helps to make it less taboo and easier for people to speak about and reach out when they need it. While we have come a long way in terms of suicide prevention in the last few years, I think there is still a long way to go to ensure people feel like they can reach out and that they will be able to access support. Even just having that one person you know you can turn to when you’re in distress can make the world of difference."

Going forward we will continue to provide a meaningful space for young people to inform and influence policy around suicide prevention and mental health.

There also continues to be an opportunity for young people to get involved in supporting us in this vital work. The opportunity for new members to join the group is still open, so if you are a young person with lived experience of suicidality or have experienced a bereavement in this area. We’d also like to hear from adults working with a child or young person who is interested in getting involved. Involvement in the group will give you an opportunity to share your views in a safe, supportive environment where we have fun and make change.

If you want to find out more about getting involved, please contact Parisa Shirazi, pshirazi@childreninscotland.org.uk