Time Space Compassion approach: supporting people experiencing suicidal crisis 

Providing someone with time, space, and compassion during suicidal distress can offer human connection and much-needed support in their darkest moments.

Time Space Compassion (TSC) is an approach which aims to create better outcomes for people in suicidal crisis.

It consists of a set of principles and values designed to encourage conversations about relationships and culture, exploring where TSC is present and what barriers may exist.

This approach has been developed as a result of feedback from:

• people with lived experience
• those working in supporting services

TSC can have a positive impact on people experiencing suicidal distress. It could also create opportunities for us all to start to recover and heal from the challenges that we may have faced in the past or continue to cope with.

This approach has the potential to positively impact on individual wellbeing by highlighting the importance for us all to make for time, space and compassion for ourselves, so in turn we can do the same for others. 

Spreading the Time Space Compassion approach in Ayrshire

The Pan-Ayrshire Suicide Prevention Communications and Development Group has partnered with the Scottish Government and Public Health Scotland to raise awareness and strengthen the use of TSC.

This has created opportunities to discuss and reflect on:

• where TSC is currently being applied
• where improvements can be made

Time Space Compassion pilot

An initial pilot took place in December 2023. During the pilot, some key partners came together to explore this approach.

These partners included:

• NHS Ayrshire & Arran
• Police Scotland
• Ayrshire College
• Housing, Justice and Third Sector colleagues

It was an opportunity to learn more about TSC, and reflect on:

• where this is seen
• the challenges and barriers that can get in the way

Through discussions, attendees:

• gained a better understanding of how this approach could support us in our suicide prevention work
• identified examples of where this is currently happening

The workshop was positively received, with participants reflecting on the benefits that this approach could have on people experiencing suicidal thoughts while also offering positive impacts for everyone and on wider culture.

Next steps

To build on and support the existing suicide prevention work, we aim to spread this approach and encourage more discussions about TSC:

• across Ayrshire, in our communities
• across our services, workplaces, and organisations

We hope to progress this through facilitating TSC workshops. The hope is that it contributes to securing better outcomes for people affected by suicide.  

To learn about Time Space Compassion, help to raise awareness, or explore the opportunities that TSC can offer, please email: aa.suicidepreventionayrshire@aapct.scot.nhs.uk 

Time Space Compassion discussion workshops

NHS Ayrshire and Arran and our partners are offering opportunities to take part in discussion workshops about the TSC approach.

By the end of the workshop you will be better able to:  

• explain what TSC is and how it relates to what you do
• describe why TSC matters and the impact it can have for people experiencing suicidal crisis
• identify and describe what TSC means in practice
• identify ways to describe and improve what you already do that supports TSC
• know where to find more information and supporting resources on TSC

TSC has the potential to positively impact staff wellbeing by highlighting the importance of time, space and compassion for ourselves, so in turn we can offer the same for others.

The approach focuses on people’s experience, human connection and relationships. It provides a shared language, resources, and ways to connect and take action together.

If you are interested in attending a workshop, please email aa.suicidepreventionayrshire@aapct.scot.nhs.uk 

Further reading

For more information, see the Time Space Compassion introductory guide (gov.scot).