Samaritans Scotland’s response to the suicide statistics for 2024

Neil Mathers, Executive Director of Samaritans Scotland, mentioned: “Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of all 704 people who died by suicide in 2024.

“The data released today by the National Records of Scotland has shown that there has been an 11% reduction in the number of probable suicides in Scotland over 2024.

“Whilst it is encouraging that this year’s data shows a reduction in deaths by suicide, our message today is that suicide is preventable. At this moment, there are still too many people living without hope for the future.

“At Samaritans, we know that suicide is complex and rarely caused by one factor alone. Most often, there are multiple reasons why someone feels like they have no choice but to end their life.

“The statistics released today underline the importance of continued suicide prevention work, and the necessity of prevention at the heart of Government policy across portfolios.

“As a lead partner in Suicide Prevention Scotland, we have been working closely with the Scottish Government, COSLA, and other dedicated partners to deliver Creating Hope Together, Scotland’s Suicide Prevention Action Plan covering the period from 2022 to 2025.

“Our work as a Strategic Outcome Lead involves supporting a whole of government and whole of society approach to suicide prevention, including making our environment safer, supporting communities at higher risk of suicide, and promoting responsible media reporting.

“It is vital that suicide prevention continues to be fully supported and funded as we work towards fewer deaths by suicide in Scotland, at the same time as tackling the issues and inequalities that contribute to people feeling like they have no other option but to take their own life.

“Families, friends, and communities are grieving the loss of 704 people, and this may be especially hard for them today. We keep those lost to suicide and everyone impacted by their loss in our minds as we continue our essential work to ensure fewer people die by suicide in Scotland.

“Samaritans volunteers are available to anyone in emotional distress, 24-7, 365-days-a-year – just call 116 123.”

Suicide Prevention Scotland’s evaluation of the information may be discovered here.

We encourage anybody discussing or reporting on this knowledge to remind those that suicide is preventable, encourage help-seeking, and embrace sources of assist, comparable to Samaritans. Whatever you’re going by way of, you may name Samaritans free any time on 116 123 or electronic mail: [email protected]