On World Suicide Prevention Day, NHS has revealed its London Mental Health Strategy, intended to put prevention at the heart of the capital’s mental health system, with a clear and consistent service.
Vanessa Ford is the chief executive at South West London St George’s Mental Health Trust. She said: “Too many lives are lost to suicide that could have been saved with timely, compassionate care. Our London Mental Health Strategy puts prevention and patient-centred care at the heart of everything we do.
“The London mental health system is stepping up to ensure nobody falls through the cracks. We want everyone to receive appropriate, personalised care, in a timely way, when and where they need it.”
The London Mental Health Board set out aims to:
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- Expand 24/7 community support through new neighbourhood mental health centres
- Offer holistic care for people with substance use needs
- Transform in-patient care
- Expand mental health support for young people in London schools
Londoners can access emotional support through NHS Talking Therapies. Patients do not need to have a diagnosed mental health condition to refer themselves to NHS Talking Therapies and receive the support they need.
People experiencing suicidal thoughts often find it hard to talk about their feelings. The focus for this World Suicide Prevention Day is “Changing the Narrative”, using a social media hashtag, #StartTheConversation, in an effort to reduce stigma.
The NHS is urging Londoners to sign up for free suicide prevention training courses, run by Zero Suicide Alliance. “It only takes 30 minutes and could save a life,” the NHS said today.
One charity, James’ Place, based in Moorgate, is working to save local men’s lives by offering free treatment by trained therapists in a friendly, non-clinical environment. The charity aims to see men for an initial assessment within two working days of them seeking help.
Place for help: people can self-refer to James’ Place
Data from the Office for National Statistics shows that men are three times more likely to die by suicide in England than women. In 2024, James’ Place provided 382 men with professional support, to help them turn their lives around.
In 2023, England saw the highest rate of men taking their own lives since 1999 (17.4 deaths per 100,000 men).
Andy Noon, from James’ Place, said: “To ensure men in crisis get the help they need, we work closely with colleagues in the suicide prevention sector and with our referral partners in the NHS and other organisations.
“It’s so important for all of us to play our part in preventing suicide, by looking out for each other in difficult times, asking someone directly if they are suicidal if we are worried, and finding out about where help can be found locally.”
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- Find NHS Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression by clicking here
- If you need urgent help for your mental health, call 111 or visit NHS 111 online
- For Croydon and Sutton Samaritans, click here
Read more: Someone to watch over you: railway staff are taking extra care
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