Suicide Prevention in Shetland
Working together to strengthen prevention and response
In December 2024, a multi-agency workshop was held in Shetland to strengthen local suicide prevention and response efforts. The event brought together representatives from NHS Shetland, Shetland Islands Council, Police Scotland, and community organisations including Mind Your Head, the Recovery Hub, Samaritans, and the Bereavement Support Service. Using a scenario tailored to Shetland’s context, participants explored current challenges and opportunities across four key areas: information sharing, support for those affected, communication, and training.
Information Sharing
The workshop highlighted the complexity of information flows following a suspected suicide, with both formal and informal routes creating confusion and delays. A new protocol between Police Scotland and Public Health Scotland offers a framework for improvement, but has yet to be implemented locally. Participants recommended operationalising this protocol locally and exploring low-detail alerts to community organisations, enabling them to prepare support services. There was also interest in sharing information about suicide attempts, recognising their significance as risk factors.
Support for Those Affected
Using the “circles of vulnerability” model, participants discussed how individuals in Shetland often occupy multiple roles—such as responders, friends, colleagues, and community members—making tailored support essential. The group proposed creating a rapid-response multi-agency team to identify and coordinate support for those affected. They also recommended compiling and publishing a directory of support services on local websites to improve signposting.
Communication and Media
The workshop explored the impact of public events and media coverage following a suicide. While such events can raise awareness and reduce stigma, they also carry risks—such as distressing bereaved families or unintentionally normalising suicide. Participants agreed that planned, proactive communication is preferable to reactive responses. A communications plan was proposed to strengthen communication between partners and the public to support suicide prevention narratives in Shetland.
Training
Access to suicide prevention training in Shetland is limited by geography and cost. Participants identified a need for better visibility of available training and unmet needs. Recommendations included publishing e-learning resources, incorporating suicide prevention into local training brochures, and annually reviewing training provision and costs to identify local opportunities.
Conclusion
The workshop demonstrated the value of cross-sector collaboration in addressing suicide prevention. By improving information sharing, coordinating support, planning communications, and enhancing training, Shetland aims to build a more responsive and compassionate system. These actions will be monitored through an action plan, with progress reported by NHS Shetland’s Suicide Prevention Lead.
Contribution to the Shetland Partnership
- Participation: Strengthening collaboration between statutory partners, voluntary organisations, and community groups.
- People: Supporting those affected by suicide through coordinated care, improved training, and better signposting.
- Place: Developing locally tailored approaches that reflect Shetland’s unique context and community dynamics.
- Money: Reducing the long-term social and economic costs associated with suicide by investing in prevention and early response.