The Scottish Recovery Network (SRN) has developed a new programme of work to build peer support capacity to provide timely, appropriate and compassionate support to people affected by suicide.
“Creating Hope with Peer Support” has been designed to work with existing and new community-based suicide prevention groups and organisations to build peer support capacity.
Background
Creating Hope Together: Scotland’s Suicide Prevention Strategy 2022-2032, sets out a vision of reducing the number of suicide deaths in Scotland, whilst tacking the inequalities which contribute to suicide. The strategy recognises that in order to do so, working in partnership will be key to ensuring that everyone affected by suicide is able to access high quality, compassionate and timely support which promotes wellbeing and recovery.
The strategy and action plan set out a programme of existing and new activities to enable Scotland to reach this vision. One of the new activities is a commitment to work with others (including the SRN) to build peer support capacity and recovery approaches in suicide prevention.
(An easy-read version of the strategy is also available to view or download via the Scottish Government website.)
The Programme
Creating Hope with Peer Support recognises and aims to build on the work of many groups and organisations involved in suicide prevention work in communities. These community-based groups provide a place for people to come together, share their experiences, explore wellbeing and work together to raise awareness of suicide prevention, wellbeing and recovery in their communities. This programme seeks to improve the peer support capacity of these groups and develop new groups where there is a need and demand.
The programme has been co-designed and co-delivered with community-based suicide prevention groups, and will focus on:
- developing and delivering bespoke training in peer support for community-based suicide prevention groups
- development of a peer support in suicide prevention resource and materials to support practice
- participative events to bring community-based suicide prevention groups together to share experiences and learning and develop relationships and practice
- sharing stories of peer support in suicide prevention to raise awareness of the benefits of this approach amongst decision-makers and the wider community
- connecting community-based suicide prevention groups with suicide prevention leads and structures at local and national level
Getting Involved
The SRN is looking to connect with as many people as possible who are interested in peer support in suicide prevention, to discuss their work and what happens in their areas, and how they can work together.
To get involved, or for further information, please contact Hannah Kane, Project Coordinator, by email: hannah.kane@scottishrecovery.net
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