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.
Commenting Burnley and Padiham’s MP Antony said:
Good mental health is absolutely crucial to our borough, as is the way we help those who find themselves battling to keep it.
I don't want to see anybody getting to the awful position where they feel like they have no other choice. That's why I fully support the work of the Samaritans and all the other organisations who step in to help those in need.
The extra funding being put into this area is really welcome. Because our mental wellbeing is just as important as our physical health. And it's crucial we look out for one other - so if you feel you or anybody you know is struggling, then please reach out.
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.
As part of the funding the Samaritans will receive a grant of £530,000, to support its 24/7 helpline services and wider innovative suicide prevention activities.
This will include:
- Postvention, 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.
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.
In conjunction Antony joined the local Samaritans group who held an awareness day at Burnley Manchester Road train station to raise the profile of Samaritans Small Talk Saves Lives awareness campaign.
Since launching in 2017, Small Talk Saves Lives has successfully raised awareness within railway stations and other public settings about the need for small talk and starting conversations if you think someone might need help.
A Samaritans spokesman said:
Obviously, we want you to feel safe when you approach a stranger who looks like they're struggling to cope. If you're at a train station for example, you could always ask a member of staff for their opinion, or to approach the person with you.
Listening volunteers are there to support anyone who needs to talk, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Anyone can contact Samaritans, free, on 116 123, email [email protected] or visit www.samaritans.org, whatever they are going through.
To find out more information about Samaritans, or to make a donation and find out other ways you can support Pendle Samaritans please visit samaritans.org/pendle, alternatively you can donate by texting 247LISTEN 2 to 70085 to donate £2. Simply change the number after “LISTEN” to change the amount you donate.
If you would like enquire about becoming a volunteer, please visit www.samaritans.org/pendle or email [email protected].
