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Towards a Mentally Flourishing Scotland (2009) (external link) is the Scottish Government's policy and action plan for mental health improvement of the Scottish population, from 2009-2011.

• The approach of the mental health improvement action plan is based on a social model of health which recognises that our mental state is shaped by our social, economic, physical and cultural environment and is directly linked to behaviours that put our health at risk.
• Suicide prevention is firmly embedded as a strategic priority for action, focusing on building a clear picture of the key factors underlying suicide and our capacity to intervene through the creation of a confidential suicide register for Scotland (commitment 15). This builds on the achievements of Choose Life under the former National Programme for Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing and emphasises the Scottish Government’s long-term ambition to reduce suicide rates in Scotland.
• A national support team continues to provide strategy direction to local areas. Each of Scotland’s 32 local authority areas has developed, and is implementing, a suicide prevention action plan (external link)and each area has a nominated Choose Life Co-ordinator (external link) who plays a key role in implementing the local plan through the community planning partnership process, channelled through Single Outcome Agreements.

2004-2009: Choose Life formed part of the Scottish Government’s former National Programme for Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing. NHS Health Scotland has hosted and supported the delivery of the Choose Life strategy since April 2008.

Reviewed 8 April 2010