From mental health first aid training to help barbers spot the warning signs of problems through to counselling for bereaved relatives, NHS England has announced a £10m funding boost to support a range of community initiatives.
A dedicated support package has been provided to local NHS, public health and voluntary organisations across England, aimed at strengthening suicide prevention plans and providing practical and emotional support to friends and family who have lost a loved one to suicide.
As part of the funding, tailored projects will be set up to care for people in high-risk and vulnerable groups such as those who self-harm, middle-aged men and hospital patients with mental health illnesses.
Around £8m of the funding has been earmarked to bolster suicide prevention initiatives across 30 local areas, including 15 new projects, during the 2020/21 financial year. The remainder is to be allocated to provide bereavement support for people after a relative or friend’s suicide.
Support will range from one-to-one sessions with trained volunteers or counsellors, group support or signposting to specialist mental health services.
Local and grassroots initiatives will also include suicide prevention training programmes, awareness campaigns, some specialist support services for the most vulnerable people at risk of suicide and phone, video and online support.
Funding is also allocated for suicide bereavement support services, including bereavement liaison officers who will provide practical and emotional support for families and loved ones impacted by suicide. These services are typically provided by local voluntary and community sector organisations and form a key component of local suicide prevention pathways.
Claire Murdoch, NHS National Director for Mental Health, said: “Every death by suicide is a tragedy for the person, their family and friends – with countless lives devastated as a result, which is why we continue to expand access to mental health care, including offering help from different and convenient community locations, and are working around the clock to support people through the Coronavirus pandemic and beyond.
The pandemic has turned lives upside down for many people and this funding will support our mission to ensure appropriate suicide prevention programmes as well as suicide bereavement support services are available right across the country. I would urge anyone concerned about their mental health to come forward for help as the NHS is here for you.”
Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Minister, Nadine Dorries, added: “Suicides are truly devastating and those left behind can suffer indescribable pain and grief. It is vital those coming to terms with a loss have access to the right types of support.
“We want everybody experiencing mental health problems to be able to get the help they need before they reach crisis point and these new initiatives will provide vital support networks in the heart of our communities.
“The NHS is there for everyone who needs it and this funding delivers our NHS Long Term Plan commitment, providing support to communities across the country and strengthening suicide prevention plans and support services.”
