Celebrating suicide prevention work across Glasgow
Following Suicide Prevention Week in September 2025, our Glasgow City Suicide Prevention Partnership (GCSPP) is proud to highlight the inspiring, year-round work of local organisations and partners dedicated to supporting mental health, strengthening resilience, and preventing suicide across the city.
Training and capacity building
Building skills within community organisations is key to ensuring more people can respond compassionately and effectively to those in distress.
Mental Health Network Greater Glasgow
Staff and volunteers recently completed ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training), equipping them with practical tools and confidence to support individuals in crisis. One participant shared: “The week after attending the training, I used my new skills. It boosted my confidence and enabled me to help someone having suicidal thoughts.”
Our Mental Health Improvement Team has also launched a comprehensive list of Suicide Prevention Resources and Supports, providing staff with access to online learning, helplines, and key materials to enhance suicide prevention knowledge.
Peer support and recovery
Peer-led spaces play a vital role in suicide prevention by creating safe, relatable environments where people can talk openly and find hope.
Yomo – Speak Easy Group
Speak Easy is a weekly peer-led recovery group offering a non-judgmental space to discuss mental health and suicidal thoughts. Participants report feeling less isolated and more connected.
The Restart Project (NHSGGC)
A nurse-led community recovery service offering creative, educational, and wellbeing activities such as art, photography, and cooking. Current peer support activities include: Peer2Peer training, Recovery Cafés, and Hathaway There – an independent peer-led group for people with lived experience of mental health challenges. The service empowers individuals to set personal goals, build confidence, and connect with others through structured weekly programmes. One participant said: “Restart has been a lifeline for me… I now volunteer for a group, which was unimaginable before. I feel more in control of my mental health and hopeful about the future.”
Bereavement support
Supporting those affected by suicide is vital for healing and prevention.
A Place Called Here – Mick’s Highland Way
This 150-mile awareness walk honours the memory of Mick and raises awareness around suicide bereavement. During Suicide Prevention Week, the group hosted awareness events at Parkhead Hub and a nature walk with their support group. Their journey could be followed at #MicksHighlandWay.
Candlelight Celebration of Life
This reflective event takes place every year during Suicide Prevention Week and it invites individuals affected by suicide to light a candle and leave a message on a rowan tree in memory of loved ones. Open to all, it offers a space for remembrance and healing.
Policy and strategy
Strong policy frameworks ensure suicide prevention remains a shared, sustained priority across Glasgow.
Children’s Residential Services – Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy
Health Improvement teams have supported Children’s Residential Services to develop tailored Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy templates. Houses have been allocated up to £500 to bring their policies to life. Staff also received Suicide Contagion training, helping them support young people more effectively.
University of Strathclyde Suicide Prevention Strategy
Launched in June 2025, the university’s five-year strategy aims to build a suicide-safer community through capacity building, communication, safety and support, and continuous improvement. It’s guided by the principles of time, space and compassion and co-produced with staff and students. Strathclyde is the first university in Scotland to appoint a full-time Suicide Prevention Project Coordinator.
Partnership working
Collaboration remains at the heart of suicide prevention.
Mental Health Network and Police Scotland
Network staff recently delivered safeTALK training to officers within Police Scotland Greater Glasgow, followed by open discussions about improving responses to people in distress. Members used their own lived experience in the hope that sharing knowledge can make this experience better for others.
Local Mental Health and Wellbeing Networks
Partnership networks across the North East, North West, and South of the city work year-round to support communities and prevent suicide. To get involved, contact: Rebecca.mccrory@nhs.scot or marykate.russell@nhs.scot
Support for young people
Tailored support for children and young people remains a key focus across the city.
Kooth
Kooth offers free, safe, and anonymous online mental health support for young people aged 10 to 16, available without referral.
Togetherall
Togetherall is a 24/7 online peer-to-peer support community for those aged 16 to 23 with a Glasgow postcode, freely available until March 2026. Visit www.togetherall.com to learn more.
Young People’s Compassionate Distress Response Service (CDRS)
CDRS provides a rapid, compassionate response for 16 to 25 year olds experiencing acute emotional distress. Phone 0141 406 0899, Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm.
Children and Young People’s Mental Health Support Guide
For professionals, the Children and Young People’s Mental Health Support Guide outlines local referral options for timely, appropriate support.
Trevor Lakey, Chair of the Glasgow City Suicide Prevention Partnership said: “It’s heartening to see so many partners with ongoing involvement in this important area. Please take time to familiarise yourself with the resources available to help us all reduce suicide within our communities.”
Support and Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available:
• Samaritans – phone 116 123 (free, 24/7)
• Breathing Space – phone 0800 83 85 87
• NHS 24 – phone 111 for urgent mental health support
• Emergency Services – phone 999 in crisis situations