Herald Society Award for our work with partners on suicide prevention
- Written by: — Health and Social Care Programme Manager
- Published: 2nd November 2018
Our work with partners on suicide prevention wins a Herald Society Award
I’m delighted to say that the ALLIANCE, led by the Health and Social Care Academy team, alongside our partners, Samaritans Scotland and NHS Health Scotland won the Partnership category at the Herald Society Awards last night for our work on suicide prevention.
It was a real team effort with all of our complementary skills and experience coming together to emphasise the voice of lived experience in the development of the Scottish Government Suicide Prevention Action Plan.
A particular thank you to everyone affected by suicide who came to the events and shared their views and experiences. Your words have directly impacted the Action Plan which is rooted in the voice of lived experience.
“One size does not fit all.”
I feel lucky to work for an organisation like the ALLIANCE, where challenging the status quo and being a courageous leader is encouraged and supported. This was a challenging piece of work in many ways; we were looking to ensure that humanity was emphasised and people were at the centre of decisions made. This involved ceding power to people and communities affected by suicide and working in a co-productive way, allowing change to be nurtured and embedded.
“People need to be treated as human beings during their support.”
Whilst this work was ongoing one of my family was having suicidal thoughts and I saw first hand the scale of change needed around suicide prevention, and particularly in how statutory mental health services support people. We experienced a disjointed system and staff who displayed a lack of kindness and compassion and no real willingness to help. If you didn’t fit into their system, processes and procedures, no help was available. As a carer this left me feeling, helpless, angry, frustrated and absolutely terrified. Having spent the whole of our work Christmas lunch crying last year over the injustice of the system and pleading with staff to see and respond to a person and a unique individual I knew that big changes were needed and I feel so privileged to have played a small part in bringing about that change.
I really believe that through working together, listening to the voice of lived experience and seeking to emphasise humanity of all, at every stage, that change is possible.
We still have a long way to go, but a strong start has been made to the Suicide Prevention Action Plan, with it being rooted in the voices of people affected by suicide. It is now essential that these voices continue to play a key role throughout implementation of the Action Plan.
“Suicidal people cannot wait for help.”
“There’s no point in knowing where to signpost people to if the services aren’t resourced and flexible.”
End of page.
You may also like:
Dr Anthony McMahon reflects on the importance of the Community Links Worker within his GP surgery - and why it makes all the difference.
Continue readingAs part of our 20 year anniversary, the Integration Team highlight the importance of our Connected Communities series.
Continue readingTo mark ‘What matters to you?’ Day, The ALLIANCE's Barbara Flynn considers the impact of Tommy Whitelaw’s talks for nurses and midwives.
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE’s Humans of Scotland project works to challenge stigma.
Continue readingIn her latest TFN column, our Chief Officer Sara Redmond reflects on post election feelings and Scotland’s future.
Continue readingALLIANCE Chief Officer, Sara Redmond, reflects on our Annual Conference 2026 and how we're turning hope into action.
Continue readingALLIANCE member, Catherine, shares the importance of initiatives like 'What Matters To You?' Day in promoting person centred care.
Continue readingLearn about how the ALLIANCE has championed joined-up, person centred care.
Continue readingDementia Action Week highlighted some great resources and support for people living with dementia and their family, friends, and carers.
Continue readingSteven Mair gives us an insight into his role as a gamer at the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.
Continue readingSince 2009, ALISS has helped people find local health and wellbeing support. Any group, big or small, can add their information.
Continue readingThe new Scottish Government must turn promises into action to improve hospice and palliative care
Continue readingTogether, we can create lasting change for everyone living with Crohn’s or Colitis.
Continue readingFind out more about these digital self management tools and how to get in touch to arrange an information session.
Continue readingOur Chief Officer Sara Redmond addresses recent commentary on the relationship between Government and the Third Sector.
Continue readingCornell explores how we can build an environmental human rights-based culture
Continue readingLouise Coupland, Digital Health and Social Care Programme Manager shares her opinions on the national roll out of MyCare.scot.
Continue readingChris Mackie, Director of Digital, looks back at how ALISS has developed, grown, and innovated over time.
Continue readingCrohn’s and Colitis care in Scotland is at a pivotal moment. Urgent action is needed to tackle delays and poor access to vital services
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE’s Lewis Shaw reflects on the importance of rehabilitation support.
Continue readingIsabella Goldie of Deafblind Scotland reflects on the value of partnership work.
Continue readingFind out more about the inaugural Power of Attorney Day taking place on 22 April 2026.
Continue readingDr Hannah Tweed reflects on 20 years of the Scottish Sensory Hub, the important work they do and why it matters.
Continue readingAs part of our 20 year anniversary, Kerry shares her reflections on how far the ALLIANCE has come, our achievements, and our impact.
Continue readingIn her latest TFN column, our Chief Officer Sara Redmond reflects on 20 years since Scotland moved to put children at the centre of policy.
Continue reading