NSPLG launches a new Youth Advisory Group and welcomes applications from young people who would like to create change

The National Suicide Prevention Leadership Group (NSPLG) is to launch a new Youth Advisory Group made up of young people (16–26) who have experience of suicide, self-harm or poor mental health. The group will help advise and support the delivery of Scotland’s Suicide Prevention Action Plan.

We’ve prepared a handy guide on what’s happening…

Why are we creating a youth advisory group?

The National Suicide Prevention Leadership Group, known as the NSPLG, brings together organisations and people who work on suicide prevention. Together they are helping to put into practice the Scottish Government’s Suicide Prevention Action Plan.

One of the actions of the NSPLG is to ensure that children and young people’s needs are listened to. It is important this is done meaningfully, and that young people’s voices are celebrated and put in a place of power to create real change. Because of this we want to set up a Youth Advisory Group that will help shape the work of the NSPLG.

What will you gain by becoming a member of this group?

This group will be run using participation practices, meaning you will be given choices and we will use creative tools, such as lego and crafts, to explore topics. This will also mean you will be using your insight and skills to create change rather than the sharing of your experiences.

In joining this group, you will:

• Be able to meet other young people who are determined to change things
• Gain qualifications, develop new skills and undertake opportunities
• Receive creative packs and self-care resources
• Choose the work you get to be involved in
• And most importantly have fun!

Who can become a member of the advisory group?

As the aim will be to shape the suicide prevention work the group will bring together people aged 16–26* who have been impacted by suicide, self-harm, or poor mental health. Note that two years must have passed if you have sadly lost someone through suicide. We won’t be assessing your experience as we don’t feel this would be right, but this will be a box the person referring you will need to tick when they refer you to the group.

To join the group, you will need to have someone who can refer you, this can be an adult in your life such as a parent, teacher, youth worker and this person will have to complete a referral form. We are asking for this as we want to ensure you are in the right place and have additional support whilst you are in the group.

We would love to ensure that those who feel they don’t always have a seat at the table in youth policy work are involved such as people from the LGBTQI+ community, the care experienced community, those with experience of the justice system, those from rural communities and any other underrepresented groups.

*If you are over 25 and wish to get involved in the work of the NSPLG then please get in touch with Jenny (details below) so she can connect you into opportunities.

How will this youth advisory group meet?

At the moment we’ll meet online using zoom and once the Scottish Government Guidance allows we will look to see how we can meet in person and your views will be listened to on this.

How can you find out more/ apply for this opportunity?

If you feel this group is for you or you support a young person who you think this could be an opportunity for then please get in touch with Jenny, the Delivery Lead on this work, for more information on jenny@cosla.gov.uk.