How Scotland’s poverty trap pushes people into suicide, and how politicians can restore hope

Since then, we’ve seen some great progress, with the launch of suicide prevention strategy Creating Hope Together, the establishment of Scotland’s first dedicated self-harm strategy, and the delivery of the Scottish Child Payment.

Now, I wonder what ambition new MSPs can bring over the next five years that would make a real difference to people’s lives and, in turn, help to realise our vision of fewer lives lost to suicide.

Even if the SNP wins a majority in May, the Scottish Parliament looks set for a shake-up. The question on my mind isn’t about which parties might band together, it’s about what the new parliamentary make-up will mean for policy priorities over the coming years.

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Political choices matter

At Samaritans Scotland, we think political choices and priorities make an enormous difference – they can save lives. With hope and ambition in mind, we’re calling on all candidates to commit to policies that will improve life for everyone and make a positive difference to those currently living without hope.

To reduce the number of lives lost to suicide, we need to create a Scotland that provides hope for tomorrow. Our manifesto, ‘Five Priorities to Save Lives’, sets out how we think this can be done: by increasing funding for frontline mental health services; delivering a minimum income guarantee; ending harmful stigma through workforce training; increasing support for people in prison; and increasing resources for community services.

At the recent manifesto launch, pollster Mark Diffley shared some illuminating figures. Three-in-four people in Scotland already support a minimum income guarantee, with voters’ top priorities including healthcare and the cost-of-living crisis. Our asks of the next Scottish Government already matter to voters.

We didn’t come up with these priorities alone; we work continuously with people with lived experience of suicide. These are asks that not only already matter to voters in Scotland, but that have been identified by people who have directly experienced a suicidal crisis, self-harm, or bereavement by suicide.

READ MORE: Why suicide is on the HSE’s radar as part of mental health focus

Economic insecurity a key factor in suicide

While data released last year by the National Records of Scotland showed a reduction in probable deaths by suicide in 2024, too many people in Scotland still cannot see a positive future for themselves. Suicide is a public health issue and a matter of social inequality, and until we address the factors that contribute to people experiencing suicidal feelings, lives will continue to be lost.

In 2024, we released research in partnership with Strathclyde University indicating just how closely connected economic insecurity was with suicidal ideation, as well as the importance of social connection and community support networks as ‘protective factors’. The research, titled ‘Paid Yesterday, Broke Today’, which was a comment by one of the participants, shared the experiences of people facing financial struggles.

The people involved told of how the pressure of insufficient pay, poverty, and stigma when seeking financial support resulted in a sense of being trapped in debt with no way out and a feeling of shame.

A minimum income guarantee was previously a Scottish Government priority and was supported by most parties. By continuing this ambition into the next parliament and realising the policy, we could protect those at a higher risk of suicide by helping to provide a dignified quality of life.

As well as early prevention, people need adequate and timely support when they need it most. When frontline mental health services are properly funded, we can progress towards a Scotland where appropriate support is available before people reach crisis point.

Asked to do too much with too little

Services across our communities, from the NHS to local charities, are working tirelessly to improve people’s lives, but are being asked to do too much with too little. Mental health services need investment to keep up with growing demand, and community-grown services must be trusted and resourced properly.

We’ve also heard that when people access financial and employment support services, they often face harmful stigma. We believe that wider workforce training on mental health and suicide would enable staff to help people in the safest way. Everybody should feel safe and confident to access support when they need it.

Along with ambition, our politicians need to be brave and make bold decisions backed by evidence that will save lives. In Scotland, two-in-five prisoners have attempted suicide. It’s clear we must do more to support people in prison. Early intervention is crucial to ensure people receive the right support before it’s too late.

Our work and vision will always be focused on creating a Scotland where fewer lives are lost to suicide. But we, and our friends and partners in the charity sector, can only do so much. We’re calling on the next Scottish Government to prioritise the issues set out in our manifesto, and approach them with ambition and bravery. And it’s not just the government that must play a part; suicide is everybody’s business.

From votes and debates, motions and committees, to supporting and representing communities, every MSP elected in May will hold the power and privilege to make real changes to people’s lives.

So, my plea to every candidate, as they knock doors promising to improve our communities and country, is keep that hope alive once elected. Commit to our asks and work with us. Let’s make a positive difference to the lives of people in Scotland and offer real hope for tomorrow.

Danielle Rowley is head of policy at Samaritans Scotland