Cole-Hamilton sets out his response as probable suicides rise

Responding to new figures showing that the number of probable suicides has risen 762 in 2022 to 792 in 2023, the second increase in a row, that the rate of suicide mortality in the most deprived areas in Scotland was 2.5 times as high as in the least deprived areas in Scotland and that Scotland had the highest rate of suicide deaths of all countries in the UK (14.0 deaths per 100,000 population), Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said:

“Suicide has a devastating and everlasting impact on families and communities. These figures are a sharp reminder of the urgent need to strengthen prevention and support all those struggling.  

“In recent years, Scots have dealt with Covid lockdowns, the soaring cost of living and the SNP’s reckless decision to cut £50m from the mental health budget.

“Mental services are stretched thin, with thousands of children and adults are waiting more than a year for the treatment they desperately need.

“Scottish Liberal Democrats want a properly funded, world-beating system that will provide robust 24/7 crisis care and swift support for those who need it. As well as providing fresh funds for local and accessible mental health services, my party wants to roll out more counsellors in schools, GPs, A&E departments and alongside police and prison staff.”