By James Simons-
The UK government has called on charities across England to apply for funding to continue supporting tens of thousands of people experiencing suicidal thoughts
Tens of thousands of people experiencing suicidal thoughts or approaching a mental health crisis are to receive vital support, as the government relaunches a £10 million fund so charities can work with the NHS to provide life-saving suicide prevention services.
In a bid to address the growing mental health crisis and provide essential support to those grappling with suicidal thoughts, the UK government has announced the relaunch of a £10 million fund aimed at aiding charities in their collaboration with the National Health Service (NHS) to offer life-saving suicide prevention services. With mental health concerns on the rise, this initiative seeks to ensure timely and accessible assistance to tens of thousands of individuals teetering on the edge of crisis.
The Suicide Prevention Grant Fund, which is now open for applications, serves as a crucial lifeline for charities across communities in England. This fund is intended not only to provide immediate assistance but also to curtail the escalation of distress to crisis levels, ultimately reducing the long-term demand on both charitable organizations and the NHS.
This initiative follows the positive outcomes of a previous fund of £5.4 million allocated in 2021-22. Over 100 voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) sector organizations benefitted from this funding, helping them respond to the heightened demand for mental health services following the pandemic. The results were remarkable, with successful recipients attesting to improved access to services and a more expedient identification of individuals experiencing suicidal ideation.
Among the noteworthy beneficiaries of the previous grant was James’ Place Charity, which utilized £283,968 to provide pioneering and cost-free suicide prevention therapy to adult men in Merseyside and London.
Another recipient, of thee funding, the Caribbean and African Health Network in Manchester, received £41,599 to address the taboo surrounding suicide in Black communities, aiming to foster open conversations and destigmatize seeking help. Papyrus, an organization committed to supporting young people dealing with mental health struggles, was awarded £151,815 to offer confidential assistance and guidance through their HOPELINE247.
This renewed funding initiative comes hand in hand with the NHS’s projected investment of £13.6 billion in the current year to enhance and extend mental health services across England. These provisions encompass a broad range of services, from NHS talking therapies to specialized support for children, young people, and those grappling with eating disorders.
The relaunch of the Suicide Prevention Grant Fund underscores the urgent need for comprehensive mental health support and the recognition that collaborative efforts between charities and the NHS can make a profound impact on curbing the alarming rise in suicidal thoughts and mental health crises. As communities grapple with the aftermath of the pandemic, such initiatives offer a glimmer of hope and a reminder that no one should face their darkest moments alone.
Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said:
”Too many lives are sadly lost to suicide and my sympathy goes out to those affected by its truly devastating impacts.
We’re already urgently investing record sums of money to transform and expand NHS mental health services, but the voluntary suicide prevention sector is such an important part of the support on offer and this multi-million pound fund recognises the work it carries out alongside the NHS.
I encourage charities to apply for this funding so they can continue to save lives, tackle taboos, and make a real difference to so many people.
PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide chief executive Ged Flynn said:
Funding is vital if we are to continue giving hope to children and young people who are struggling with life, and we welcome the government’s contribution which will go some way to help.
The services we offer are underpinned by voluntary income; kind donations, fundraising and public support. That generosity funds our confidential HOPELINE247 service which allows our professional suicide prevention advisers to keep young people safe.
We also rely on voluntary income to help us engage with local communities on suicide prevention initiatives across the UK, offer training to groups and individual and support a network of volunteers who have lived experience of suicide.
Suicide is sadly the biggest cause of death in both men and women under the age of 35 in the UK, and there has been a noticeable increase in the last decade in the number of tragic suicides among women under the age of 25.
NHS crisis lines receive 200,000 calls per month and the Samaritans report receiving over 10,000 calls per day on average.
This latest round of government funding, however, could be used by the VCSE sector to boost capacity in crisis helplines – both for those struggling and for those who are concerned about a loved one – provide signposting to services, launch campaigns targeted at specific at-risk groups like young men, and also support families who have experienced the tragedy of losing a loved one by suicide.
Minister for Mental Health Maria Caulfield said:
‘Every single suicide is a tragedy – one which still affects too many people in England. Heartbreakingly, it is still the biggest killer of men under 35.
But we’re taking action. This £10 million fund for the voluntary and charity sector will help people nationwide receive crucial mental health support and builds on the success of previous funds, which supported tens of thousands of people approaching a crisis.
We’re already investing £57 million into suicide prevention schemes through the NHS Long-Term Plan, and all local areas now have suicide prevention plans to address the specific needs of their populations.
While this funding will help fund a range of preventative and innovative activity up and down the country, the government is committed to doing all it can to prevent deaths by suicide. Later this year, it will publish a new National Suicide Prevention Strategy that will set out further actions and commitments to deliver this.
Professor Sir Louis Appleby National Advisor on the Suicide Prevention Strategy said:
”Charities play a critical role in preventing suicide and today’s launch of the grant fund will support their vital work. Given the pressures facing the sector, I hope all eligible organisations will consider bidding for funding.
The government is investing at least £2.3 billion of additional funding a year by March 2024 to expand and transform NHS mental health services, so an extra two million people can get the mental health support they need.
Over £400 million is also going into improving mental health facilities, including by giving patients the privacy of their own bedroom and eradicating shared dorms.
The mental health workforce is also growing. In December 2022, we saw almost 9,000 more mental health staff working than the previous year. The NHS Long Term Workforce plan sets out ambitions to grow the mental health workforce further.