Lochaber suicide prevention event on 25 November at the Nevis Centre

Issued by the Highland Community Planning Partnership

‘Suicide prevention unites people to raise awareness and support those affected by suicide and grieving loss in our Lochaber communities.’

A partnership of Highland based mental health charities and organisations are coming together for a ‘Let’s Continue the Conversation about Suicide Prevention’ event in Fort William, aimed at raising awareness of suicide prevention and tackling stigma in communities.

The event will take place at the Nevis Centre, Fort William on 25 November 2025, from 10am – 3:30pm, bringing together key partners working across suicide prevention, mental health and bereavement support.

The project is coordinated by Mikeysline, in partnership with Change Mental Health, NHS Highland, Police Scotland, James Support Group, The Highland Council, Ewen’s Room and Cruse Scotland – who are all members of the Highland Community Planning Partnership.

The initiative is supported by the Highland Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund, which awarded a grant to the partnership to develop resources that can be used to spotlight available support services and deepen the understanding of suicide prevention awareness across the community.

These educational, informative and helpful resources include a resource pack for families bereaved by suicide, along with a public information leaflet developed to ensure communities better understand the impact of suicide and where to find support.

The campaign has helped to produce three powerful short films to shine a light on suicide prevention and bereavement – informed by lived experience, and focusing on:

• Postvention support for those affected by suicide.
• Personal stories of those impacted.
• The stigma surrounding suicide and mental health.

These themes will be explored during the event through speaker sessions, resource sharing and public exhibitions.

Emily Stokes, Chief Executive of Mikeysline, said: “We are proud to have worked in close partnership with a range of third sector and statutory organisations on this vital project. By sharing our experience and compassion, we’ve developed meaningful resources that we look forward to bringing to the Nevis Centre on 25 November. This event is about continuing the conversation and ensuring people know they are not alone.”

The event follows the launch of Suicide Prevention Scotland, the national campaign encouraging open dialogue around suicide. Haylis Smith, National Delivery Lead for Scotland’s suicide prevention strategy Creating Hope Together, will deliver a keynote address at the event.

Refreshments and lunch are provided at the event, which is free and all members of the community are welcome to attend by signing up via Eventbrite (external link). Booking in advance is necessary to allow for catering numbers to be determined, you can also attend on the day without booking but lunch may not be available at short notice.