Introducing Time Space Compassion
Three simple words that shape the way we work together for people experiencing crisis
Introduction
Time Space Compassion gives us a shared way to think about what we already do and make changes that improve people’s experience of seeking help.
It’s a simple concept that asks us to focus on what people with lived and living experience tell us matters most: that they are met with time, space and compassion.
In practice, this means prioritising people and relationships, listening well, tailoring our approach to reflect their needs and hopes, and empowering people through joint decision making.
How does it work?
The idea is to consider how we change people’s experiences when they experience a suicidal crisis from a service-led model to one of human reaction.
Getting this right ensures that we’re prioritising the needs, hopes and experiences of the person seeking help and their support network.
“If you work with people, this is for you.”
We are working to achieve this by focusing on people’s experiences, human connections and relationships.
In practical terms we do three things that will help change the way we think about supporting people in crisis:
Focus 01
Offering a shared language
Focus 02
Developing new resources
Focus 03
Creating ways to connect
By offering a shared language, developing new resources, and creating ways to connect and take action together, we’re able to help change the way we think about and take action to support people in crisis.
In doing so, we’re helping Scottish Government and COSLA deliver on our national commitment to expand and improve support to people in mental health distress and crisis, and those who care for them.
Learn more about the wider Time Space Compassion programme on the Scottish Government’s website or access and download these helpful guides.
You can also read a series of practice stories on our Suicide Prevention Scotland Medium account.
More detailed information for colleagues working in suicide prevention will be added to the relevant section in the coming weeks.