Issued on behalf of Suicide Prevention Scotland
A powerful new public awareness campaign will launch in Scotland on Wednesday 16 April 2025, marking a significant step forward in the country’s ongoing commitment to suicide prevention.
Alongside the campaign, Suicide Prevention Scotland will also launch its brand-new website — SuicidePrevention.scot — providing a central hub of support, resources, and information for people affected by suicide.
A Campaign Co-Produced With Lived Experience
What sets this campaign apart is its deeply collaborative and compassionate approach. Co-produced with individuals who have lived and living experience of suicide, as well as those with professional, practice, and academic expertise, the campaign brings together a wide range of voices and insights.
At its heart are four individuals who bravely share their personal stories, highlighting the importance of normalising conversations around suicide. Their experiences reinforce the message that asking directly about suicide can be a vital first step in supporting someone and saving a life.
This is not a one-off campaign. Instead, the content released on 16 April marks the beginning of an ongoing series, aiming to build awareness and understanding over time. However, both national and local support services may notice an increase in help-seeking behaviour from the public as early as the campaign’s initial launch.
Where the Campaign Will Be Seen
The campaign will be promoted extensively through a mix of digital and non-digital channels:
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Digital platforms: YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Meta’s ad network, and various content and news websites
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Out-of-home advertising: Billboards (both print and digital), bus adverts, train station posters, ferry signage, and newspaper ads in Orkney — selected due to limited transport promotion options and the location of one of the participants
Launch Event
A launch session for the campaign will be held online on Wednesday 16 April from 12:00 to 13:00. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Join the meeting via this Teams link.
Introducing SuicidePrevention.scot
Also launching on 16 April is SuicidePrevention.scot — Suicide Prevention Scotland’s new website. Designed to be a trusted and accessible resource, the site offers centralised information and key links for:
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People experiencing thoughts of suicide
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Those concerned about someone else
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People bereaved by suicide
In the coming weeks, an additional section for professionals will be added, supporting those working in health, care, and community settings to respond more confidently and effectively to suicide risk.
To further support visibility and public engagement, new social media channels will launch on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, complementing existing platforms on X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Medium, and Podbean.
Together, the website and campaign aim to help reduce stigma, encourage conversation, and make it easier for people to seek help — potentially leading to increased presentations across support services.
Need support now?
If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, please know that help is available. Speak to someone you trust or contact one of these helplines:
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Samaritans — 116 123 or samaritans.org
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Breathing Space — 0800 83 85 87
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NHS 24 Mental Health Hub — 111
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PAPYRUS HOPELINE247 — 0800 068 4141 or text 88247
If you are ever in immediate danger or have the means to cause yourself harm, dial 999 and request an ambulance.
