Changing the narrative on suicide: the power of peer support
World Suicide Prevention Day takes place on 10 September, and this year’s theme is encouraging us to challenge stigma, open up conversations and think differently about suicide prevention.
For us, changing the narrative also means recognising the important role that lived experience and peer support can play in supporting people affected by suicide, whether that’s through experiencing suicidal thoughts, recovering from an attempt, or coping with bereavement.
Peer support is a relational approach which creates space for people with shared experiences to connect, listen to one another and offer understanding and hope. Peer workers bring their own lived experience into their roles, offering a different kind of connection and perspective that can make a real difference to people accessing support.
We were asked by Suicide Prevention Scotland to collaborate on a film showcasing the vital role of peer support in suicide prevention.
Our film, The Power of Peer Support in Suicide Prevention, highlights the experiences of The Hive Kirkcaldy, a community hub for LGBTQIA+ people in Fife; LATNEM, providing peer support for mums and birthing people in the north east and across Scotland; and Men United, providing peer support for men in the North East of Scotland.
Together, these organisations demonstrate the vital and unique contribution peer support can make to people affected by suicide across Scotland, particularly within communities that face high suicide risk.
Practice guides
We also have a range of practice guides offering practical approaches to developing peer support and creating spaces where people can connect, explore, find hope and support one another. The guides are full of learning and practical tips, based on the experiences of peer support groups and services from across Scotland.
- Explore the practice guides
You might also be interested in the Creating Hope with Peer Support project report which marks 3 years of the Creating Hope with Peer Support project and the people who made it possible.
Changing the narrative is about more than one day and we will continue to collaborate with people with lived experience, groups, organisations and services to ensure people get the right help at the right time all year round.
