View from a Suicide Prevention Youth Advisory Group member

In 2022 a new young people’s advisory group was launched as part of the National Suicide Prevention Strategy and Action Plan. The group was set up to make sure young people’s views are heard directly by decision-makers, to influence government policy. With the group recruiting for new members until 26 May, one member discusses their experience of taking part. 

I joined the Suicide Prevention Youth Advisory Group last year because I am passionate about helping and advocating for young people who have lived experience around suicide. I had previously heard about the group through an Enabling Conversations workshop, which aimed to create a tool to help people explore and discuss their feelings regarding self-harm and suicide. I really liked how supportive and engaging the environment was and this feeling has stuck with me through joining the group, where I was quickly made to feel welcome by both staff and other young people. I have enjoyed having access to a safe space wherein we can talk about difficult topics in supportive and productive ways.

Through being in the group, I have learned more about Scotland’s suicide prevention plans and have been able to work with other young people to give feedback on things being done in this area that will impact us. We have also had discussions around potential legislation being introduced around young people and social media and spoke about our worries regarding this and how this can be fed back to the UK Government.

Furthermore, we have learned about some community research that is currently happening, and have had the chance to chat with some of the organisers of these projects to discuss how our group could help people who are conducting research and to offer thoughts on current project plans.

It has been good to be able to learn more about what is happening in Scotland to prevent suicide and support anyone who is affected by it, particularly as I have been able to feedback on these efforts through the group rather than just passively reading about what is happening.

I would recommend this group to other young people who wish to make a difference and to have their say on issues that both directly and indirectly impact young people. I have found the group environment to be really supportive and appreciate that the voluntary nature of the group means it is possible to step back and take a break if things ever get overwhelming. Our staff are great at creating opportunities to give feedback and at responding to this, which really helps ensure that young people’s voices are listened to and integrated into the running of the advisory group.