Children in Scotland is inviting applications from young people aged 16 – 24 years old to join the Suicide Prevention Youth Advisory Group, which aims to give those with lived experience the opportunity to help shape suicide prevention policy and support across Scotland.

The group was established in 2022, as part of Scotland’s National Suicide Prevention Strategy to ensure that the voices of young people are heard directly by decision-makers. Members work alongside Children in Scotland, the University of Edinburgh and Suicide Prevention Scotland to influence national policy, improve services and support, and help develop resources which better meet the needs of children and young people. The group is supported throughout to ensure participation takes place in a safe and welcoming environment.

The Youth Advisory Group is open to young people who have experienced suicidal thoughts or attempted suicide, been bereaved by suicide (where at least two years have passed since the bereavement), or experienced poor mental health.

Members meet approximately once a month, with a mixture of online and in-person sessions. They have the opportunity to meet other young people, share ideas, influence national work and ensure that future suicide prevention activity reflects the experiences and priorities of young people themselves.

Since its launch, the group has contributed to a wide range of national initiatives, including:

providing feedback on the Time, Space, Compassion approach
supporting research into the needs of children and young people
speaking at national conferences
developing resources to improve support for young people experiencing suicidal crisis

For further information, including the information pack and application form, please visit the Children in Scotland website (linked for your convenience).