To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking in light of the most recent annual update on suicide statistics showing that people living in Scotland’s most deprived areas are 2.5 times more likely to die by suicide than those living in the least deprived areas. (S6O-03680)

Every life lost to suicide is an absolute tragedy, and my condolences go out to the families and communities who are behind those numbers.

Tackling the causes and effects of poverty is a key Government mission, and it is central to the ambitious programme of work that is being taken forward across government and within communities under our joint Scottish Government and Convention of Scottish Local Authorities suicide prevention strategy.

We are focused on reducing deaths by suicide while tackling inequalities and supporting deprived and marginalised groups who are at greater risk. Alongside our social campaign, increased peer support and targeted programmes supporting communities are critical. Since 2021 we have awarded nearly 5,000 grants to local projects, totalling £66 million, through our communities mental health and wellbeing fund for adults.

I agree that behind all those deaths is a person, their family, their friends and their loved ones—and a lot of heartbreak. When will the Scottish Government be reporting on the impact of the 2023-24 priorities in the suicide action plan? Does the minister agree that we must understand the impact of those plans and strategies if we are to move forward, and if we are to try to reduce the number of suicides in Scotland?

Just last month we had the first meeting of the leadership board for the mental health and wellbeing plan. I am more than happy to write to Alex Rowley to update him on the work that is on-going and on how the plan is likely to be implemented. The member will know that the suicide implementation plan will be carried out over a period of 10 years. Although there is currently a focus on the early stages of that plan, it is a long-term plan. I am happy to write to the member with more details about how we will keep Parliament aware of how the plan is progressing.

As the minister said, every life lost to suicide is a huge tragedy. My thoughts are with all those who are affected—as, I know, are those of members across the chamber.

Will the minister provide an update on the Scottish Government’s creating hope together year 2 delivery plan, which was published in July this year—in particular, the focus on strengthening Scotland’s awareness and responsiveness to suicide and people who are suicidal?

The two-year delivery plan builds on the considerable progress that was made during 2023-24. We are proud of the difference that we are making by improving suicide awareness, increasing the availability of peer support across our communities and using clinical evidence and our time, space and compassion approach to drive improvements in statutory services.

With continued focus on groups that are at risk of suicide, many of the actions are designed to reach and support people who are impacted by discrimination, stigma and the wider social determinants of suicide. Work is under way on expanding the campaign and learning activities, growing our social movement and engaging new audiences. We are improving responses that people receive in unscheduled care settings, such as accident and emergency departments. We are also developing a new portal to ensure that people who feel suicidal know where to go for help.

I am happy to update Bill Kidd in writing with the full suite of actions that we are taking, as was mentioned to Alex Rowley.

Organisations such as the men’s sheds and Andy’s Man Club in my region play vital roles in eliminating the stigma surrounding mental health, and in creating judgment-free confidential spaces where men can be open about the storms in their lives. What more can be done to ensure that those important organisations can carry on the work that is desperately needed?

I absolutely agree on the point about stigma. It is a challenge for all of us and one that all of us share. Stigma prevents people from accessing the help to which they are entitled and to which they have a right, so work to tackle it is vital.

Men’s sheds have had an assurance of funding from another portfolio in the Government. We have also contributed through a number of different programmes. We have invested in the Sam’s cafe project, Andy’s Man Club, the wellbeing on wheels service and the roll-out of our distress brief intervention programme. We are investing in a suite of other measures, as well as in men’s sheds.

Question 5 was not lodged.