healthscotland.com

Choose Life is Scotland’s 10-year strategy and action plan to prevent suicide (external link). It aims to reduce the suicide rate in Scotland by 20% by 2013. NHS Health Scotland supports the delivery of Choose Life as part of the Scottish Government’s commitment to reducing suicide prevalence, self harm and common mental health problems. This forms part of a national co-ordinated approach to mental health improvement overseen by the national policy framework, Towards a Mentally Flourishing Scotland (2009-11) (external link).

Choose Life is implemented at a national and local level. A national team works with local partners to support the development of strategic plans based on community priorities and challenges. A nominated Choose Life Co-ordinator in each of Scotland’s 32 local authority areas has a key role in implementing these local action plans.

Action is focused on developing a wide range of services and practical support, raising awareness, undertaking more research to improve knowledge about suicide prevention and providing training.

Find out more about the background to Choose Life and the policy context.