Launch of new resource to support suicide prevention approaches in schools
03 Jul 25
A new resource has today launched, to support those working in local authority education departments as well as in schools to build on their approach to suicide prevention.
In building this resource Jenny Ferguson, our Children and Young People delivery lead reached out to councils across Scotland as well as organisations working with schools to gather examples of the practice happening in relation to suicide through the Whole School Approach Framework.
This has been done as one of the key things Jenny has learnt since being in post is the benefit of learning from peers, the best thing that can create hope and lead to change is connecting people who have achieved change to those who wish to achieve the same change.
The new resource can be found here, alongside a two part podcast episode which takes a deep dive into the practice happening in three local authorities’ education settings.
Schools hold an important role in children and young people’s lives, we have heard from members of the youth advisory group how valuable it can be to have someone working in a school be it a teacher or someone within the school office listen to them.
“I don’t think any young person is expecting the perfect response, just needs to not be a negative response”
Suicide Prevention Scotland Youth Advisory Group member
Schools have a number of initiatives and approaches that whilst may not automatically be labelled as suicide prevention initiatives they do in fact reduce the risk of someone experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviours.
For example nurture and wellbeing initiatives within schools and wellbeing support during school transition stages.
Additionally, some schools undertake specific work focused on suicide prevention such as suicide prevention training and having pathways in place for referring on pupils and staff impacted by suicide.
“It’s about having awareness of when young people are struggling and having staff who feel comfortable spotting this and are able to have a conversation”
Suicide Prevention & Mental Health Coordinator, Perth and Kinross Council
All of this work falls under the Whole School Approach Framework, which aims to support schools to support children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing.
The framework recognises that a school alone cannot and should not meet all the wellbeing needs of children and young people. Parents, carers, families and a range of partners in schools and the wider community play a role in meeting those needs. It also recognises that teachers and school staff are not mental health professionals.
“Partnership and having people around you with the appetite to do the work is key”
Development Officer - Health and Wellbeing, Renfrewshire Council
We hope the new resource inspires other schools thinking of reviewing the approaches they take to promoting good mental health and preventing suicides and that it celebrates the incredible work of so many working in our schools to ensure that children and young people are kept safe, well and able to thrive.