Dr Luke Evans, Member of Parliament for Bosworth, has welcomed the publication of the National Suicide Prevention Strategy after contributing to the package of more than 100 measures.
The GP-turned-MP has attended meetings with Government Ministers and the Department for Health and Social Care on suicide prevention and men’s mental health, helping to shape policies which aim to reduce the number of suicides.
The strategy sets out the Government’s ambitions to reduce England’s suicide rate within two and a half years, improve support for people who have self-harmed and people bereaved by suicide.
Measures include a new national alert system to notify relevant authorities of emerging methods of suicides and risks, fresh guidance for first responders and collaboration with countries around the world to target and stop suppliers of dangerous and lethal substances at the source.
In August the Government launched a £10 million Suicide Prevention Grant Fund alongside an expected spend of £13.6 billion in 2023/24 to transform the country’s mental health services to ensure millions of people can quickly access NHS support.
By the end of March 2025 tens of millions of children in schools across England will have access to a dedicated mental health support team, allowing for intervention where a mild-to-moderate mental health issue is identified.
Dr Luke Evans, Member of Parliament for Bosworth, said “As a GP I saw the devastating impact that suicide has on families and loved ones, so it was a privilege to contribute to this important strategy and I hope it delivers tangible improvements to prevent future deaths.
“If you or anyone you know needs support, please call the Samaritans on 116 123 or NHS 111 for assistance.”
Steve Barclay, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, said “It’s imperative we support people earlier to prevent them reaching the lowest point, while tackling emerging methods of suicide and eradicating harmful material online.
“[The Government is] working at pace to achieve this, and we continue to invest billions of pounds to transform and improve our nation’s mental health services, and - most importantly - save lives.”
Maria Caulfield, Minister for Mental Health, added “The impact of suicide on individuals and loved ones is devastating.
“This strategy will bolster the work this Government is already undertaking to reduce the number of suicides and help us intervene, where needed, as early as possible.”
