Recipients of £5.4m Suicide Prevention Fund revealed

113 charities have received a share of £5.4m to prevent suicide in high-risk groups, including men and people from Black communities.

The funding will support people experiencing suicidal thoughts or approaching a crisis, following increased demand for mental health services in the pandemic.

Recipients have used the funding to either set up new projects or expand or sustain current services, including providing additional capacity in crisis helplines, providing signposting to local services and therapy sessions, updating campaigns to provide targeted support to specific at-risk groups, and supporting families who have been bereaved by suicide.

In 2021, there were over 5,000 suicides registered in England. In both men and women, around 40% of suicides are by people in their 40s and 50s, whilst men aged 45 to 49 have the highest rate.

Health and Social Care Secretary, Sajid Javid, said: ‘I know how devastating suicide can be and I am committed to making sure the NHS and voluntary sector services have the support they need.

‘We know many more people have been asking for help with their mental health over the last two years and we’re publishing a Suicide Prevention Plan later this year to outline further support for those in need. If you’re struggling, please reach out for support – we’re here to help.’

Minister for Mental Health, Gillian Keegan, added: ‘The suicide prevention voluntary sector has played a crucial role in providing people with the help and support they need throughout the pandemic and I thank them for all they do.

‘Suicides are preventable tragedies when the right support and help is in place. I’m committed to continuing to support the sector and to do all we can to ensure people have the help they need. This Mental Health Awareness Week, I want to be clear that there is support for those struggling – and if you need help, I encourage you to reach out.’

The charities who’ve been awarded funding include:

• James’ Place Charity, who’ve been awarded £283,968 and provide innovative, free, suicide prevention therapy to men over the age of 18 in Merseyside who are in suicidal crisis.
• Caribbean & African Health Network (CAHN), who’ve been awarded £41,599 and address the wider social determinants to reduce health inequalities for people from Caribbean & African communities, tackle taboos around suicide in black communities, raising awareness though workshops and campaigns as well as running virtual chat and support sessions for young people. 
• Chasing the Stigma, who’ve been awarded £51,918 and providethe Hub of Hope, a mental health signposting tool accessed by over 22,000 people per month
• Papyrus, who’ve been awarded £151,815 and provide confidential support and advice specifically to young people struggling with thoughts of suicide, and anyone worried about a young person. This support is provided through their HOPELINEUK.

In related news, psychologists at the University of South Florida (USF) are challenging stereotypes surrounding mental illness, finding that people with a history of mental health issues can still thrive.

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