Every case of suicide is a tragedy many times over: for the person who could see no way out; for their family and friends, often left with an intolerable burden of guilt; and also, for society as a whole in its failure to provide greater support.
In 2023, the last Government published a National Suicide Prevention Strategy with the aim of reducing the number of suicides in England. All mental health providers now have 24/7 urgent mental health helplines in place. Through the Online Safety Act 2023, companies are required to proactively remove and limit the spread of illegal content which encourages or incites suicide online.
Since the General Election, the Government has reaffirmed its intention to expand mental health support teams in schools, and recruit more mental health workers, and I will be holding it to account for delivering on these promises.
It is deeply regretful that the Government has chosen not to renew the Suicide Prevention Grant Fund when the current funding period came to an end in March 2025. Since the Grant was launched in August 2023, a total of 79 organisations received funding to improve access to suicide prevention and support services across the country.
Just one life lost to suicide is one too many. It is important that the Government continues with to build on the work in recent years to prevent suicide and support groups working with vulnerable young people and adults.
