PM launches measures to mark World Mental Health Day
The Samaritans’ helpline will remain free for the next four years with support from the government, Theresa May has announced.
It's as she marked World Mental Health Day.
New government funding – up to £1.8 million – will help ensure the charity can continue to provide immediate and lifesaving support to everyone who needs it, 24 hours a day.
The Prime Minister also announced today that health minister Jackie Doyle-Price will become the UK’s first Minister for Suicide Prevention.
Around 4,500 people take their own lives each year in England and suicide remains the leading cause of death for men under 45. In her new role, the minister will lead government efforts to cut the number of suicides and overcome the stigma that stops people seeking help.
The Minister will lead a new national effort on suicide prevention, bringing together a ministerial taskforce and working with national and local government, experts in suicide and self-harm prevention, charities, clinicians and those personally affected by suicide.
She will also ensure every local area has an effective suicide prevention plan in place, and look at how the latest technology can be used to identify those most at risk.
Half of all mental illness begins by the age of 14.
Speaking at a Downing Street reception to mark World Mental Health Day this afternoon, Theresa May is expected to say:
"When I first became Prime Minister, I stood on the steps of Downing Street and pledged to fight the burning injustices in our society.
There are few greater examples than the injustices facing those with mental health conditions. But together we can change that.
We can end the stigma that has forced too many to suffer in silence. We can prevent the tragedy of suicide taking too many lives. And we can give the mental wellbeing of our children the priority it so profoundly deserves.
…I have made parity of care a priority for our long-term plan for the NHS. As a result, our record investment in the NHS will mean record investment in mental health.
…We are not looking after our health if we are not looking after our mental health.
So we need true parity between physical and mental health – and not just in our health systems – but in our classrooms, workplaces and communities too."
Published: by Radio NewsHub