Creating Hope with Peer Support marks three years of peer‑led impact in suicide prevention

A national project placing lived experience at the heart of suicide prevention has published its first three‑year impact report, highlighting the life‑changing role of peer support in communities across Scotland.

Creating Hope with Peer Support, led by Scottish Recovery Network, is a key element of the Scottish Government and COSLA’s Creating Hope Together Suicide Prevention Strategy. The project works alongside people, organisations and communities to embed peer support as an essential, accessible and sustainable part of Scotland’s approach to suicide prevention.

The new report was launched at a national event in Stirling by Tom Arthur, Minister for Social Care and Mental Wellbeing, and Councillor Paul Kelly, COSLA Spokesperson for Health and Social Care. The publication brings together reflections, insights and real‑life stories from participants, peer workers and partner organisations involved since the project began.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Tom Arthur emphasised the importance of lived experience in shaping Scotland’s suicide prevention efforts, noting that peer support can make

“not just a life‑changing but a lifesaving difference.”

The report features case studies from organisations including Hope Point Dundee (Penumbra), Dundee Volunteer and Voluntary Action, Neil’s Hugs Foundation, The Hive Kirkcaldy and the Living Warriors Project. Together, they illustrate how peer support is transforming crisis responses, creating safe spaces for marginalised groups and strengthening grassroots, community‑rooted support networks.

The event also premiered a new film, produced with Suicide Prevention Scotland, The Hive Kirkcaldy, LATNEM and Men United, showcasing the powerful role of peer support in communities facing higher suicide risk.

• Read the report https://bit.ly/CHPSPeerPower

• Watch the film https://youtu.be/q0cTS5E9r98?si=DMTcN2Z7DolQusXT