Every Scots suicide case will now be investigated

EVERY suicide in Scotland will be investigated in a bid to reduce the number of people taking their own lives, it was revealed yesterday.

SNP ministers published a national suicide prevention plan – which they hope will cut the number of deaths by 20 per cent in the next four years.

The £300million move will see all cases reviewed and the formation of a new prevention group.

The plan means every suicide death will be studied by a series of agencies, which could spark nationwide or local action if continual risks are identified.

Suicide is the biggest cause of death for Scottish men aged between 35 and 44, according to the latest figures. Last year, 680 people killed themselves in Scotland, a rate of 12.5 per cent 100,000.

As well as the reviews, ministers have set up a new National Suicide Prevention

‘Every life matters, no death is acceptable’

Leadership Group which will oversee the implementation of the action plan and new policies.

Launching the plan, Mental Health Minister Clare Haughey said: ‘Every life matters and no death by suicide should be regarded as either acceptable or inevitable.

‘Over the past decade, Scotland has made real progress in reducing deaths by suicide, but we have far more to do. We want a Scotland where suicide is preventable and where anyone contemplating suicide or who has lost a loved one gets the support they need.’

Scottish Tory mental health spokesman Annie Wells said: ‘Suicide remains a main cause of avoidable death in Scotland. I welcome the emphasis on training, review and the public awareness campaign.’