Father's Plea: Suicide Training for All Scottish Schools

A father who experienced profound grief after his son's suicide is now a leading advocate for suicide prevention training in all Scottish secondary schools. John Gibson established the Canmore Trust in January 2022, inspired by his 24-year-old son Cameron's death in October 2019. This trust aims to raise awareness and prevention efforts within educational settings.

The 'Breaking the Silence' training program, developed by Grassroots Suicide Prevention and Liverpool John Moores University, has been piloted for two years in schools across Stirling and Clackmannanshire. This program equips S4 to S6 pupils with the skills to identify signs of suicidal thoughts in their peers and guides them on how to offer support.

Gibson recounts his own attempt to take his life the year after his son's death, emphasizing the critical moments of kindness and support that can alter a person's path. The training's impact has been overwhelmingly positive, with students reporting increased confidence in addressing mental health issues and seeking help when needed. Stories shared by the trust highlight instances where the program empowered young individuals to disclose their struggles, leading to timely interventions.

While the Scottish government acknowledges the importance of mental health education and provides resources, it states that curriculum choices and external partnerships are determined by individual schools and councils. Education Scotland has national resources available, and discussions are ongoing regarding suicide prevention as part of broader curriculum reforms.