People struggling with their mental health will be better supported thanks to a £10 million funding boost for organisations working to prevent suicides.
A total of 79 organisations, including a suicide prevention helpline, will receive funding through the Government’s Suicide Prevention VCSE Grant Fund. This will expand access to support services covering every region in the country, including the areas with the highest rates of suicide. Both national charities and small community-led charities, which provide tailored support for local areas, will receive new funding to support people with their mental health. Many charities will deliver services through partnerships and alliances, to help ensure joined-up support for individuals seeking help.
This represents an important milestone in delivering the Suicide Prevention Strategy, which sets out the Government’s actions to prevent self-harm, suicide and save lives. The fund was announced in the 2023 Autumn Statement to support charities in either meeting increased demand for suicide prevention services, or to support a range of diverse and innovative activity that can help to prevent suicides in England.
The organisations set to receive grants include James’ Place Charity and PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide - both have been awarded £625,000. The Samaritans will also receive a grant of £530,000, to support its 24/7 helpline services and wider innovative suicide prevention activities.
This will include:
•Post-vention, which is an intervention that takes place after a suicide by supporting the family and friends of the person who has died, in schools and colleges.
•Preventing suicides in high-risk locations.
•Research to increase understanding of the needs of callers and how to reach people who don’t use the service.
•Targeting people from groups who we know are at higher risk of suicide, including children and young people, middle-aged men, pregnant women and new mothers and autistic people.
The Suicide Prevention strategy commits to more than 130 measures, from prevention and earlier intervention, through to more targeted and proactive support for people in crisis.
Rebecca commented:
“Every suicide is a tragedy which leaves a terrible mark on the families and communities affected. It is very important that we work to increase accessibility of suicide prevention services as well as crucial support for those affected by suicides. This funding will help to ensure more people can be reached by the mental health care they need.”
Minister for Mental Health, Maria Caulfield MP, said:
“Non-profit organisations play a hugely important role in supporting people with their mental health and preventing suicide in England. This new funding will support people who need it the most and build on the brilliant work happening across the country on suicide prevention.”
Professor Sir Louis Appleby, the national advisor to the Suicide Prevention Strategy, said:
“The new funding is in recognition of the role of voluntary organisations large and small in suicide prevention. They offer support to people in crisis or on the margins of society because of poverty, disability or prejudice. They often work alongside the NHS but in settings where many who need help feel more comfortable. The new Government strategy says that bringing down the suicide rate is a national priority, and the ability of the voluntary sector to reach people at risk is vital.”
Julia Bentley, CEO of Samaritans, said:
"This funding will help Samaritans continue our mission to save lives. The voluntary sector plays a crucial part in suicide prevention and, in this challenging environment, financial support for charities has never been more important. Today’s announcement is a welcome step towards the resourcing needed to deliver the national suicide prevention strategy."
The organisations receiving more funding available to Castle Point residents include the Samaritans, Action on Postpartum Psychosis, Mental Health Innovations, Listening Place, Katie Piper Foundation, Bipolar UK, Place2Be and Survivors Of Bereavement By Suicide.
If you or someone you know are experiencing suicidal thoughts please contact Samaritans on any phone by calling 116 123 . This line is open 24 hours a day every day of the year. If you want to speak to someone in person, you can access a Samaritans branch without an appointment. The branches nearest to Castle Point are:
Samaritans Basildon, 16 Little Lullaway, Basildon, SS15 5JJ
Samaritans Southend-on-Sea, 61-71 Victoria Avenue, Beaumont Court, Southend, SS2 6EB
If you have long-term concerns with depression or suicidal thoughts, please contact your GP surgery to discuss how you can receive help through the NHS mental health services.
