Self harm strategy and action plan 2023 to 2027

Vision and Priorities

Scotland’s Self-Harm strategy and Action Plan sits within a broader context where we seek to promote positive mental

health and wellbeing for all. We will take action to prevent the escalation of poor mental health and wellbeing that can increase the risk of self-harm.

Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy Vision

Our vision is of a Scotland, free from stigma and inequality, where everyone fulfils their right to achieve the best mental health and wellbeing possible.

To achieve this vision we will:

• Promote positive mental health and wellbeing for the whole population, improving understanding and tackling stigma, inequality and discrimination;
• Prevent mental health issues occurring or escalating and tackle underlying causes, adversities and inequalities wherever possible; and
• Provide mental health and wellbeing support and care, ensuring people and communities can access the right information, skills, services and opportunities in the right place at the right time, using a person-centred approach.

Self-Harm Strategy Vision

Our vision is for people who have self- harmed or are thinking of self-harm, to receive compassionate, recovery-focused support, without fear of stigma or discrimination.

To achieve this vision, we have identified the following priority areas we will work towards through the delivery of the action plan.

Priority 1: Continue to expand and deepen knowledge and embed compassionate understanding of self-harm and tackle stigma and discrimination.

Priority 2: Continue to build person- centred, support and services across Scotland to meet the needs of people affected by self-harm.

Priority 3: Review, improve, and share data and evidence to drive improvements in support and service responses for people who have self-harmed, or are at increased risk of doing so.