New induction pack launched by Public Health Scotland for local suicide prevention delivery leads

In our latest Suicide Prevention Scotland blog we meet Susie Heywood, a Local Implementation Support Lead with Public Health Scotland. Susie tells us about a new resource for people working to develop local suicide prevention action plans.

As a Suicide Prevention Local Implementation Support Lead, I must have one of the longest job titles in the country!

There are three of us — myself, Jenny and Rob — and our role is to support local areas across Scotland to develop and implement suicide prevention plans which meet the needs of local communities.

Prior to taking this job I worked for almost 10 years in a locally focused suicide prevention role in the east end of Glasgow. When I was in the thick of it, it was easy to forget that I was not alone — that there were others doing similar roles, wrestling with the same issues, and trying similar approaches.

This new role has been a reminder that suicide prevention in Scotland is blessed by an array of talented, passionate and driven people, each determined to do their bit to improve and save lives.

One such group of people are our local suicide prevention leads. For anyone who isn’t familiar, in each local authority area in Scotland there’s usually one person who has a role in coordinating, implementing and reporting on local suicide prevention work (though the set up in each area can vary).

A key part of our role is supporting their work, and that of the multiagency groups that they work with collaboratively to prevent suicide in their local community.

Over the last year and a half I have spent a lot of time getting to know these leads, learning the different ways they approach the role, the responsibilities they share and the challenges they face as they lead this work in local communities.

What I have seen so far has been impressive.

I’ve seen local leads influencing and shaping decision making both in their local areas and nationally, local needs driving innovative practice, and locally developed pieces of work being picked up and replicated in other areas.

The time spent with leads have allowed us to develop an Induction Pack for Suicide Prevention Leads.

This pack will not only help guide existing leads as they navigate the complexity of their role, but provide a toolkit for those stepping into the role to understand what may be expected of them.

As well as giving an overview of the common features and responsibilities of the local lead role and a history and background to suicide prevention work in Scotland so far, it encourages the reader to

• Develop an understanding of the local context for suicide prevention work
• Build and strengthen relationships with key partners and stakeholders
• Advocate for and participate in a learning culture around an area where our knowledge and understanding is always evolving

Many of us, local leads included, are driven by a passion to make a difference, and in many cases a personal experience of suicide, so the pack also focuses on what support we might need to look after ourselves in the role.

There are times when this work can feel overwhelming, and it’s all too easy for us to immerse ourselves in the tasks at hand and forget the need to pay attention to ourselves and the impact of working in such a serious and important area.

What I have seen though, is a community of professionals who look out for each other, who meet regularly, who offer support when things get difficult, and who understand the challenges of the role. They also know the frustration that it so often feels like we aren’t doing enough or getting it right, but are committed to problem solving together, continually striving to learn and improve.

I feel lucky to be part of this vibrant community. I feel lucky that I can work alongside and learn from the knowledge and experiences of others. I like knowing that I am part of something important and that there are opportunities for me to influence and help shape the future direction of travel.

When I look at everything that’s happening in our country and the wider world today I worry. I can see the scale of the challenge we face. But I am heartened that there are many, many people, determined to make a difference and work for change, and I, for one, am happy to be a small part of that.

If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health or feeling suicidal, please don’t hesitate to ask for help by contacting your GP, NHS24 on 111, Samaritans on 116 123 or Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87.