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Motion · S6M-01133 · 8 Sep 2021

World Suicide Prevention Day, Samaritans Scotland

Lodged by Gillian Mackay (Scottish Green Party) Standard Motion 24 supporters

The motion

That the Parliament recognises that 10 September 2021 is World Suicide Prevention Day; understands that this year’s theme is Creating Hope Through Action and that, by working in partnership and engaging with communities from the Scottish Borders to the Highlands and Islands, Samaritans Scotland volunteers have played a crucial role in creating hope during this challenging time; recognises the essential role Samaritans Scotland volunteers have played, and continue to play, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic in providing emotional support to anyone in crisis or distress; understands that in the first year since social distancing restrictions were introduced, Samaritans Scotland volunteers spent over 50,000 hours providing emotional support through the charity’s free 24-hour helpline; recognises that, despite the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, volunteers have continued to support and promote mental and emotional wellbeing and suicide prevention activity within their communities; understands that this has included a range of virtual engagement activity, including running digital Learn to Listen workshops throughout the year, sharing how people can use active listening skills within their communities and workplaces; further understands that, as restrictions begin to ease, volunteers across Scotland are re-starting a range of in-person outreach and partnership activities, including supporting ongoing work with Network Rail, and will be active across the country in the lead up to World Suicide Prevention Day, running a range of roadshows, stalls and events, and welcomes the Samaritans Scotland’s partnership and community engagement activity, alongside volunteers’ vital work supporting the 24-hour helpline, as a source of hope and a significant contribution to strengthening suicide prevention and supporting mental health and wellbeing.

Supporters (24)

Source: the Scottish Parliament motions and amendments record.