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Motion · S6M-14430 · 10 Sep 2024

World Suicide Prevention Day

Lodged by Bob Doris (Scottish National Party) Standard Motion 41 supporters

The motion

That the Parliament recognises World Suicide Prevention Day 2024, taking place on 10 September, and what it sees as the importance of promoting this day to help those who need support and protection from suicide in Scotland; notes National Records of Scotland findings that suicide has increased over the past year, suicide rates have been around three times higher in men than women over the past 30 years, there were 2.4 times more deaths by suicide in the most deprived areas of Scotland compared with the least deprived areas, and that remote small towns recorded the highest suicide rates over the past decade; emphasises what it regards as the inherent value of each and every person, no matter their circumstances, and affirms calls from anti-suicide groups for every person to be strengthened in hope and to receive appropriate care and support; recalls research into the impact of the Samaritans helpline, with 76% of callers saying that they felt better because they were listened to, and 74% saying that they felt better because they felt they had gained options for dealing with difficult situations; notes with concern, however, that for one in 10 callers, the Samaritans helpline was their only source of support; affirms the role of charities and community organisations like The Salvation Army, CAP Scotland, Men Matter Scotland (MMS), Hope Connections, the SAMH Wayforward Service that provides housing support in Maryhill, and others who can help resolve difficult situations, as well as the many local groups who provide space for connection and building deeper friendships, and understands that it is in such settings as these that we can see individuals enabled to thrive, empowered to reject despairing narratives and freed from suicidal thinking.

Supporters (41)

Source: the Scottish Parliament motions and amendments record.