Learn about our Youth Advisory Group
Meaningfully involving children and young people is an important part of our approach to preventing suicide.
Introduction
If we are to prevent suicide, it’s vital that we consider the experiences and ideas of young people.
That’s why our Youth Advisory Group is such an important part of our work at Suicide Prevention Scotland.
What is the Youth Advisory Group?
The Youth Advisory Group consists of a diverse group of young people (aged 16-24) who have personal experiences of suicide and bereavement by suicide.
The group co-produces and develops our work for children and young people.
We also have a Suicide Prevention Participation Network which supports our work for children and young people. It comprises organisations who work with children and young people and who can share and represent their experiences.
How does it work and can I get involved?
The Youth Advisory Group is managed by Children in Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government and COSLA.
Co-ordinators employed by Children in Scotland are in place to manage the panel’s programme of work and to provide proactive safeguarding support.
Recruitment to the panel takes place periodically. This is usually managed via referrals from partner organisations that work with young people.
Learn more
Our Youth Advisory Group member Skye (pictured left) spoke movingly at our Creating Hope Together conference in 2024.
You can read their speech, here.
And if you want to know what the government is doing to prevent suicide among young people in Scotland, this student mental health action plan outlines what the government is focusing on and the action being taken.