Suicide prevention action plan 2018 - 2020: review

Appendix 3 Short term outcomes, anticipated contribution to reduction in suicidal behaviour by September 2021, by SPAP Action

SPAP Action no. 1

Short term outcomes achieved to date

n/a - developmental activities to date.

How implementation will contribute to prevention/reduction in suicidal behaviour

Development of guidance to help translate actions in a new suicide prevention strategy into local action plans, and therefore contribute to a reduction in suicide rates.

Evidence to demonstrate progress by Sept. 2021

More local areas have action plans which demonstrate best practice and activity which maps to the national strategy compared with the benchmarking information gathered.

SPAP Action no. 2

Short term outcomes achieved to date

Those working in the public sector have direct access to digital learning resources on mental health.

How implementation will contribute to prevention/reduction in suicidal behaviour

Improved knowledge and skills across the workforce.

A contribution to prevention will be as a result of:

• Public sector workforce having an increased awareness of mental health, self harm and suicide
• A public sector workforce feeling confident with the skills and knowledge relevant to their roles to respond appropriately to people in distress
• People experiencing distress feel able to seek help and receive an appropriate and compassionate, non-stigmatising response
• Children, young people and adults experiencing distress who come into contact with the public sector workforce or private sector will receive an appropriate and compassionate, non-stigmatising response.

Evidence to demonstrate progress by Sept. 2021

Uptake of learning resources across key locations and workforces.

Findings from evaluation of reach and impact of learning resources.

SPAP Action no. 3

Short term outcomes achieved to date

Visual identity and campaign launch pick up promoted across wide range of media and stakeholders (engagement with social media and media posts being recorded).

September 2020: over 1,400 people have signed up to online hub.

Improved knowledge and awareness of suicide and confidence in having discussions with others around suicide.

How implementation will contribute to prevention/reduction in suicidal behaviour

New identity aims to galvanise national and local action around suicide prevention. This may contribute to more integrated responses to those in distress.

Opening campaign aims to promote the value of people talking more openly and confidently about suicide, therefore potential to reduce stigma but also improve the level of support provided to those with suicidal ideation.

Evidence to demonstrate progress by Sept. 2021

Pre and post campaign assessments; initial campaign reach and impact report (December 2020), and subsequent reach and impact reports.

SPAP Action no. 4

Short term outcomes achieved to date

Service specification for a pilot service in two areas issued October and evaluation specification due to be published.

How implementation will contribute to prevention/reduction in suicidal behaviour

Based on research evidence it is anticipated that the provision of the service to people bereaved by suicide will reduce distress and suicidality in this population group.

Evidence to demonstrate progress by Sept. 2021

Evaluation designed to capture evidence of outcomes.

SPAP Action no. 5

Short term outcomes achieved to date

n/a - developmental activities to date.

How implementation will contribute to prevention/reduction in suicidal behaviour

The impact of the recommendations will depend upon the extent to which they are implemented.

Evidence to demonstrate progress by Sept. 2021

The extent to which the recommendations are implemented will be a marker of progress for this action.

It is anticipated that any actions resulting from the recommendations will be formally evaluated.

SPAP Action no. 6

Short term outcomes achieved to date

n/a - developmental activities to date.

How implementation will contribute to prevention/reduction in suicidal behaviour

If used positively, the internet and other technologies can be used to influence suicide prevention both locally and nationally. This could include providing online support to people who may be at risk of suicide, raising awareness of sources of support, facilitating individuals' ability to manage themselves and develop resilience, and encouraging safe use of the internet.

Evidence to demonstrate progress by Sept. 2021

Due to slippage in timescales development of physical products by September 2021 unlikely.

Set of recommendations and action plan to be delivered to NSPLG by September 2021.

SPAP Action no. 7

Short term outcomes achieved to date

n/a - developmental activities to date.

How implementation will contribute to prevention/reduction in suicidal behaviour

Increase the NSPLG's understanding of the commonalities and differences contributing to suicidal behaviour among the various at risk groups.

The Action will allow interventions to be developed and informed by the experience of people from at risk groups. This will help to ensure future interventions are more sensitive to, and better aligned with, the needs of at risk groups, with the ultimate aim of reducing suicidal behaviour and deaths among these groups.

The Action has used the IMV model as a conceptual framework. As such, findings from the Action may provide additional evidence for the applicability of the IMV model to our understanding of suicide.

Evidence to demonstrate progress by Sept. 2021

We will produce an Action 7 summary report with recommendations.

The recommendations will be formed as practical steps that can be implemented to reduce suicide risk amongst at risk groups.

SPAP Action no. 8

Short term outcomes achieved to date

Relationship developed with a social media platform and removal of harmful content; and supported social media cross-platform collaboration.

Achieving a holistic approach with those working in mental health.

How implementation will contribute to prevention/reduction in suicidal behaviour

Working directly with children and young people, we will equip them with the skills to cope when suicidal ideation overwhelms them. They will gain valuable life skills and coping mechanisms.

We will encourage conversation, remove the stigma/stereotypes and encourage healthy conversation, therefore reduce internalisation and escalation of suicidal ideation.

Evidence to demonstrate progress by Sept. 2021

Project plans and reports e.g. on advancement of 'bridging the GAP' in service provision with CAMHS.

SPAP Action no. 9

Short term outcomes achieved to date

Provided academic expertise and capacity to undertake literature reviews, consultations, surveys and evaluation support.

Contributed to wider understanding of the impacts of public health emergencies on suicidal behaviour.

How implementation will contribute to prevention/reduction in suicidal behaviour

Supporting learning about effective suicide prevention intervention in Scotland through ensuring:

• A sound evidence base underpinning the other substantive actions
• Robust evaluation of individual Actions within the national suicide prevention programme as a whole.

Evidence to demonstrate progress by Sept. 2021

Findings of the year 3 SPAP review.

SPAP Action no. 10

Short term outcomes achieved to date

n/a - developmental activities to date.

How implementation will contribute to prevention/reduction in suicidal behaviour

By analysing deaths by suicide and gaining a better understanding of the factors which lead to suicide in Scotland planning for preventative action should be more effective. This information should also help to identify any potential clusters of suicide, enabling local early intervention.

Evidence to demonstrate progress by Sept. 2021

Evidence of PDSA cycles on the test of change undertaken in three areas.

Development of a review process which can be replicated across Scotland.

Development of an information sharing agreement which can be used across Scotland.