Creating Hope Together: Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2026–2029 aims to reduce suicide deaths, address the inequalities that can increase risk, and ensure anyone affected by suicide can access timely, compassionate support.

It is the next phase of Scotland's ambitious 10-year suicide prevention strategy, jointly led by the Scottish Government and COSLA, and focuses on four priorities:

• supporting people at greatest risk of suicide, and creating safer environments
• building understanding about suicide and capability to respond across communities
• ensuring access to timely and compassionate support
• strengthening foundations for effective delivery through improved data, evidence and collaboration.

The latest official statistics from National Records of Scotland show the number of probable suicides in 2024 decreased by 11% compared to 2023 - the lowest number since 2017.

Total mental health spending is expected to exceed £1.5bn in 2026-27.

Minister for social care and mental wellbeing, Tom Arthur, said: ‘Suicide prevention is everyone's business, and I am determined that everyone has timely access to the right mental health support. While the latest official statistics show a decrease in the number of probable suicides, there is no room for complacency.

‘The suicide prevention funding has increased to at least £3m in 2026–27, up from £2.8m. The increased budget will allow us to focus on tackling the stigma of suicide, encouraging people to seek help, and providing a range of support for people affected by suicide.

'The new plan is focused on prevention, early intervention and reaching those who need support most, including young people and those impacted by social inequalities, stigma and discrimination.'

Cllr Paul Kelly, COSLA spokesperson for health and social care, added: ‘Suicide Prevention cannot be achieved by working in silos. We need to work across government – local and national – and with our communities to address the complex factors involved in creating conditions that can increase suicide risk, as well as harnessing those that promote better mental wellbeing.

'This new action plan is informed by learning from both national and local delivery and emerging practice. It builds on the ambition and achievements of the previous plan, accelerating progress towards our shared vision: that everyone in Scotland can access the right support at the right time.'

The plan builds on the learning from delivering the first action plan, drawing on academic research, insights from Suicide Prevention Scotland, local and national delivery partners, and the voices of people with experience of suicide, including children, young people and their families.