September 10, 2026
Scottish Hazards “Saving Lives – Creating Safer, Healthier and Fairer Working Conditions in Scotland” exhibition
Yesterday, I stopped at the Scottish Hazards “Saving Lives – Creating Safer, Healthier and Fairer Working Conditions in Scotland” exhibition in Parliament and signed their call to action that work-related suicides must be identified and investigated so future deaths are prevented.
With today marking World Suicide Prevention Day, it was a timely reminder of the importance of looking at how work and work-related mental ill health can impact people’s wellbeing.
The theme for World Suicide Prevention Day 2026 is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”, with a call to “Start the Conversation.”
Suicide is a major public health challenge, with more than 720,000 people losing their lives every year around the world. Every life lost has a profound impact on families, friends, workplaces and communities.
Changing the narrative means challenging harmful myths, reducing stigma and creating spaces where people feel able to speak openly, ask for help and know they are not alone.
It also means taking action to make sure mental health and suicide prevention remain priorities, including creating safe, healthy and fair workplaces where people can thrive and return home safely to their families.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for support:
Samaritans free 24-hour service on 116 123 Breathing Space free service between 6pm and 2am on weekdays and 24-hours on weekends 0800 83 85 87
Shout to 85258You should call 999 in a mental health emergency if someone’s life is at immediate risk or they have suffered severe harm. You can find further guidance on the NHS website about where to get urgent mental health help.
