Peterhead

National spotlight on peer support as two north east organisations recognised in new suicide prevention film

A new film ‘The Power of Peer Support in Suicide Prevention’ shares the experiences of different organisations providing vital mental health peer support in Scotland to people affected by suicide.

The film, which features two organisations based in the north east of the country, was developed in collaboration with Scottish Recovery Network and Suicide Prevention Scotland as part of the Creating Hope with Peer support project and wider Scottish Government and COSLA 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 suicide prevention approach.

Men United who feature in the film, are charity in Peterhead whose motto is ‘Don’t Man Up, Speak Up’. They work across the north east and provide peer support groups for men. Sandy Garvock, Founder of Men United said:

“So, Men United started back in 2019. We had three young males in our area who ended their lives by suicide. I did a bit of research and realised there was absolutely no one for people to go and speak to. We provide a safe space for a guy to come in and speak to someone who genuinely knows exactly how they feel. Someone will sit and listen to them. Offer guidance, support and be there to go, you know what? You’re not on your own. We’re there to help you.”

LATNEM, provide peer support for mums and birthing people in the north east, including in-person support in Inverurie, Aberdeenshire and Elgin, Forres, and Aberdeen City. This is complemented by online support for wider Scotland. Linsey Singers, Trustee, Chair and Peer Supporter from the organisation commented:

“Suicide is the biggest killer of mums within the first year after giving birth. We started LATNEM as a peer support space for mums and birthing people to come to for support with their mental health. We’ve grown from four mums at our first meeting to over 340 now. Some of the feedback we’ve had has been really powerful. One of our mums said ‘thank you for keeping me alive’”

Both organisations demonstrate how the power of peer support can offer hope, build confidence, and reduce isolation, particularly for people who face higher suicide risk due to marginalisation, discrimination and social stigma.

Catriona McDougall, Projects Coordinator at Scottish Recovery Network said:

“We’ve brought groups and peer support services like Men United and LATNEM together for this film because as part of our Creating Hope with Peer Support project, we’re really trying to raise the profile and understanding of the crucial role peer support plays within suicide prevention. What we hear again and again from people is that they feel safe, they feel heard, they feel comfortable, and they’re the ones that are in control, and they’re the ones that feel empowered to decide what mental health recovery looks like for them.”

You can watch the film here: https://youtu.be/q0cTS5E9r98?si=o4pHKN4tjfcI2lYO

Peterhead.Live on