Special group aims to slash suicide rates

SCOTLAND is to set up a special suicide prevention group as part of efforts to reduce the number of people who take their own life by 20per cent

The National Suicide Prevention Leadership Group ( NSPLG) – which is being backed with £ 3 million of funding – will be set up by September, to implement measures in the new suicide prevention action plan.

The delayed blueprint sets out 10 measures aimed at cutting the number of deaths by suicide - including a commitment for the Scottish Government to fund refreshed mental health and suicide prevention training by May 2019.

NHS workers will be required to receive training in mental health issues and suicide prevention as part of the proposals, while ministers are also pledging “timely and effective support” for those affected by suicide.