Public Health Scotland has revealed that suicide was the leading cause of death among children and young adults, accounting for more than a quarter of deaths.
The figures, which cover a period from 2011 to 2020, show a peak in 2019. The rate for young people remains significantly lower than for adults aged 25 and over.
More than 37 YPI teams represented the issue of suicide at Final Showcases in the 2021/22 academic year with funding secured for organisations including Beautiful Inside & Out and the Joshua Nolan Foundation.
Ali MacLachlan, UK Director at The Wood Foundation, said:
“The statistics released in the Suicide Among Young People are incredibly stark and highlight that conversations and support for youth mental health are more important than ever.”
Mental health charities were represented around 300 times at YPI Final Showcases.
A team from Leith Academy delivered an impactful poem at the YPI National Event about the impact of suicide on families.
Ali added:
“The bravery, compassion, and understanding shown by young people through the YPI process to commit to openly discussing these incredibly difficult issues is inspiring.
“We must continue to invest in the spaces and places that give young people the opportunity to discuss these issues, as well as raising the profile and directing funds to organisations which tackle the root causes and immediate need in relation to suicide.”
Read the article here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-62807681
Watch Leith Academy at the YPI National Event here: https://vimeo.com/747606036
