28/11/2025
NEWS: The Hive Kirkcaldy features in national su***de prevention impact report and film
The Hive Kirkcaldy has been recognised nationally as a beacon for peer-led su***de prevention within LGBTQIA+ communities. Its work demonstrates how peer support can offer hope, build confidence, and reduce isolation, particularly for people who face higher su***de risk due to marginalisation, discrimination, and social stigma.
The vibrant community hub in Kirkcaldy features as a key case study in Scottish Recovery Network’s newly launched Creating Hope with Peer Support: 3 years of peer power in su***de prevention impact report. The Hive showcases how a community-led organisation can create essential, inclusive spaces where people feel heard, supported, and connected.
Creating Hope with Peer Support, a national project led by Scottish Recovery Network, is a core component of the Scottish Government and COSLA Creating Hope Together Su***de Prevention Strategy. The project works alongside people, organisations, and communities to embed peer support as an essential, accessible and sustainable part of Scotland’s su***de prevention approach.
The impact report was launched by Tom Arthur, Minister for Social Care and Mental Wellbeing, and Councillor Paul Kelly, COSLA Spokesperson for Health and Social Care at a national event in Stirling where Lindsey Williamson, Operations Manager at The Hive presented on the impact of peer support in the work they do.
The report brings together reflections, insights and real-life stories from participants, peer workers and community partners involved in the project since its inception. Highlighting the significance of peer support, Minister Tom Arthur said:
“Peer support is vital in our efforts at su***de prevention in Scotland across all areas of policy. We not only want to ensure lived experiences are included in how we design our policy, but that those with lived experience who can provide that peer support, can make not just a life changing but a lifesaving difference. The Scottish Government is committed to working in partnership with our communities and with local government to make peer support as accessible as possible.”
The national event also premiered a new Su***de Prevention Scotland film: The Power of Peer Support in Su***de Prevention, featuring The Hive Kirkcaldy, LATNEM and Men United. Created in collaboration with Su***de Prevention Scotland and Scottish Recovery Network, the film highlights the powerful role of peer support in communities experiencing higher su***de risk.
Reflecting on their work in peer support Lindsey Williamson, Operations Manager at The Hive Kirkcaldy said:
“We are absolutely delighted to be part of the Creating Hope with Peer Support: 3 years of peer power in su***de prevention impact report and wider project and also The Power of Peer Support in Su***de Prevention film. They highlight the amazing work that is being done in peer support across Scotland and the difference it can make to someone’s life.
As I talk about in the film the word hope really stands out to me when I think about peer work. We all need that at times and when it comes from someone who has the lived experience it is so much more powerful. Marginalised communities often have a far lower level of trust in accessing services through mainstream avenues for several reasons, our aim, at The Hive, is to provide a safe and affirmative place for people to come, feel heard and get the support they need quickly. We know the importance of early intervention and how many lives can be saved by having access to support immediately. We continue to develop our peer support programme with new groups being added in the New Year.”
