A powerful new campaign has launched across Scotland to kick-start the nation’s most important conversation yet.
It asks one simple but life-changing question—what if a conversation about suicide could save a life?
The campaign is deeply personal and co-produced entirely by people with lived or living experience of suicide.
It comes hand in hand with a brand new website, SuicidePrevention.scot, packed with resources, guidance, and a local support directory.
In a striking short film, four brave voices—Seonaid Stallan, Ross Cunningham, Clare Collin, and Laura Junor—read letters written to loved ones or to themselves.
Their words are raw, heartfelt, and honest, capturing the complexity of grief, hope, survival and loss.
These letters are at the heart of a bold new push to encourage Scotland to talk openly about suicide.
The aim is to break down fear and stigma and replace silence with compassion and action.
Many people feel paralysed by the idea of saying the wrong thing, but avoiding the topic can be far more dangerous.
Suicide prevention experts are clear—talking about suicide does not make it more likely.
In fact, it is the most effective way to stop it happening.
Led by Suicide Prevention Scotland, the campaign is part of the national strategy Creating Hope Together, delivered in partnership by the Scottish Government and COSLA.
SAMH leads on the outcome focused on improving understanding of suicide and ending stigma.
The campaign was created not just with people who have been personally affected, but also with professionals, academics and local suicide prevention leads.
SeeMe, Scotland’s programme tackling mental health stigma, was also heavily involved.
Clare Collin, who lost her nephew, mother and brother-in-law to suicide, speaks movingly about the power of simply asking someone if they are struggling.
She says you don’t need to be an expert—just listen, be kind, and help them find the right support.
Ross, who once made a plan to end his own life, credits a trusted friend and the Scottish mountains with turning things around.
Laura, originally from Inverness, shares how stigma made her darkest moments harder, yet she bravely speaks up in the hope of changing that for others.
Seonaid lost her son and sister-in-law within weeks, yet remains determined to make sure others know they are not alone.
Minister Maree Todd praised the campaign for its hopeful message and its practical support tools.
Cllr Paul Kelly emphasised the importance of early conversations, urging everyone to act before crisis hits.
This campaign is about ordinary people saying extraordinary things, and proving that one question could truly save a life.
If you are struggling, reach out.
Speak to someone you trust, or call Samaritans on 116 123, Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87, or NHS 24 on 111.
In an emergency, always dial 999.
Help is there, and hope is real.
