SCOTTISH Recovery Network brought together four mental health organisations to talk with Maree Todd, Minister for Mental Health and Well-being about the significant role of peer support in suicide prevention.
The meeting followed the publication of the annual National Records of Scotland statistics on probable suicides which showed that there were 792 probable suicide deaths in 2023, an increase of 30 on the previous year.
Donna Paterson-Harvie Founder and CEO of Neil’s Hugs Foundation, Sam Magee, Lead Practitioner – Adult Services at Man On Inverclyde, Rab Douglas, Senior Peer Practitioner, Hope Point Dundee (Penumbra), and Nic Saunders, Founder and Co-organiser of Living Warriors Project (Edinburgh) shared with the Minister the positive impact of using their lived experience to design and deliver peer support.
The visit provided a chance to advocate for the different types of peer support as well as recognise the innovation of the Charity Sector in developing peer support approaches and roles that are crucial to suicide prevention in Scotland.
Donna Paterson-Harvie, Founder and CEO of Neil’s Hugs Foundation said:
“The meeting yesterday was really important because I do not believe that people in positions of power and in general are aware of the impact peer support has in all of our communities and the pressure taken off from the statuary services by people with lived experience. People who set up charities and groups to fill the gaps in support that they needed that are just not there.
“The impact of peer support on my life has been huge, I have always surrounded myself with people who understand what I am going through because it means I do not have to continually explain as they already understand. Now the charity set up in my son Neil’s memory offers lots of peer support as I know it works, not always on its own but as part of healing and surviving.
“Peer support gives hope and saves lives.”
Mental Well-being Minister Maree Todd said:
“The National Records of Scotland statistics on probable suicides makes for distressing reading and my sincere condolences go out to all those who have been affected by the loss of a loved one by suicide. I am determined that together with COSLA and other partners we reduce the number of deaths by suicide and improve the nation’s mental health as a whole.
“It is such a privilege to hear from Peer Supporters – who are making ‘time, space, compassion’ real every day. They do powerful work. There’s nothing more hopeful when you’re in despair than finding folk who’ve walked in your shoes and are now in a different place.”
Louise Christie, Director, of Scottish Recovery Network said:
“The people lost to suicide and their loved ones are in our thoughts always. We acknowledge the heartbreak, distress and grief experienced.
“Central to suicide prevention are the people affected; people experiencing or who have experienced suicidal feelings, those who have attempted suicide and all their family, friends and all others affected.
“Their experiences and perspectives are key to improving understanding and also enabling us to design and deliver the support that can reach people in distress and crisis. Peer support groups and services provide a space where people can talk to someone who understands and can work with them to find a way through.”
As well as reaching out to local organisations similar to those mentioned in this article, anyone affected by these issues can access support from the following services:
