The Member of Parliament for Eastleigh, Mims Davies, has welcomed the appointment of the UKs first Minister for Suicide Prevention together with a pledge of up to £1.8 million in government funding to ensure the Samaritans can offer 24-hour free support.
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.
Commenting, the Member of Parliament for Eastleigh, Mims Davies, said:
“Every single life lost to suicide is a tragedy, I know that tackling mental ill-health is something that my constituents are deeply passionate about, and therefore will join with me in welcoming the appointment of our first Minister for Suicide Prevention.
“Like many MPs, I have met constituents during my local advice surgeries that have been affected by mental health issues and have come forward for help and support, however, the stigma surrounding mental ill-health means that too many feel unable to reach out. Today’s announcements are key to changing that.
“I would also like to pay tribute to the amazing local charities and volunteers across the Eastleigh constituency who do so much to support others in their time of need, including Solent Mind at Leigh Road in Eastleigh, which members of my team visited just yesterday.”
Responding to the new government funding announced today, Samaritans CEO Ruth Sutherland said:
“We welcome the government’s announcement of funding towards Samaritans’ helpline, which will meet around 10 per cent of the total helpline costs for the next four years and help us to continue to provide our service free of charge.
“Samaritans’ 20,000 volunteers are available at any time for anyone who is struggling to cope. We respond to more than five million requests for help a year.
“This is an acknowledgement of the importance of our vital service.”
- If you need a response immediately, it's best to call Samaritans on the phone. This number is FREE to call. You don't have to be suicidal to call Samaritans. Whatever you're going through, you can call the Samaritans free at any time, from any phone on 116 123.
- Otherwise, you can call Solent Mind on 023 8202 7810
- Attached is a photo of Mims Davies with the Secretary of State for Health, Matt Hancock MP.