Mental health charity SAMH looking for Moray residents to join Lived Experience Panel
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NATIONAL charity Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) are looking for people in Moray who have struggled with suicide to take part in the Suicide Prevention Scotland Lived Experience Panel.
Those who have attempted suicide, experienced suicidal thoughts, or have lost a loved one to suicide are encouraged to apply.
Formed in 2019, their work is funded by the Scottish Government and works alongside Suicide Prevention Scotland.
Head of suicide prevention at SAMH Dan Farthing said: “This is a unique opportunity for people in Moray to play a significant part in Scotland’s mission to prevent suicide.
“Those who join the panel will be able to genuinely shape what Scotland’s approach to suicide prevention looks like in the future.”
The actions of the panel influence the government and COSLA’s suicide prevention strategy, Creating Hope Together.
It has played a vital role in supporting local authorities, providing learning and development resources, and supporting bereaved families.
They have also launched their own campaign United to Prevent Suicide and have created an approach to working with people in crisis.
Haylis Smith from Suicide Prevention Scotland said: “We’ve seen so many meaningful contribututions that have helped shaped our approach and, in some cases, bring about change that may not have happened.
“We‘d warmly encourage anyone who has experience of suicide in Moray, who feels they are ready to contribute to this work to put themselves forward.“
The panel has been so successful that the World Health Organisation highlights it as a significant example of how people with lived experience impact suicide prevention work.
Seonaid Stallan is currently a member of the Lived Experience Panel.
Her son Dylan took his own life, followed by her sister-in-law Vanessa three weeks later.
Mrs Stallan said: “After losing my son and sister-in-law to suicide, I knew there were things which needed to change to prevent this happening to others.
“Being a member of the panel has given me the opportunity to share my personal lived experience, insight and knowledge of suicide.
“I am pleased to say that Scotland now has a pilot service which supports families bereaved by suicide, families like mine.
“This will save lives”.
To find out more about the role and apply, visit: www.samh.org.uk
