World Mental Health Day marked with a new Minister for Suicide Prevention

The Prime Minister also announced today that health minister Jackie Doyle-Price will become the UK’s first Minister for Suicide Prevention. In addition, Theresa May revealed new government funding – up to £1.8 million – will help ensure that The Samaritans’ helpline will remain free for the next four years.  This will help the charity to continue to provide immediate and lifesaving support to everyone who needs it, 24 hours a day.

Around 4,500 people take their own lives each year in England and suicide remains the leading cause of death for men under 45. In her new role, the minister will lead government efforts to cut the number of suicides and overcome the stigma that stops people seeking help.

Read the full article here on the Government’s website.

To help promote mental health wellbeing among independent funeral directors, SAIF offers SAIFSupport, a completely confidential telephone and email helpline with six free counselling sessions also available to members.