Dr Neil Hudson MP's campaign to boost the nation's mental health received a big win this week with a £10 million funding boost for organisations working to prevent suicides.
This includes £64,756 for Every Life Matters - based in Dr Hudson's constituency - and £625,000 PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide who Dr Hudson has worked with on the 3 Dads Walking campaign to get safe age-appropriate suicide prevention training into school environments.
Dr Neil Hudson MP said:
"Since my very first speech in Parliament, I have consistently prioritised supporting people’s mental health.
"Charities are on the front-line, protecting communities from the burgeoning impact of mental ill health and suicide. Working so closely with those most in need, investing directly in these groups will see the greatest benefit for society at large.
"Really proud to welcome this huge investment and I look forward to seeing results."
A total of 79 organisations, including a suicide prevention helpline, will receive funding through the Government’s Suicide Prevention VCSE Grant Fund. This will expand access to support services covering every region in the country, including the areas with the highest rates of suicide.
This represents an important milestone in delivering the suicide prevention strategy, which sets out the government’s actions to prevent self-harm, suicide and save lives.
Locally Dr Hudson met Every Life Matters in December to discuss Cumbria's inflated suicide rate and what more we can do to protect our communities. You can read more about ELM's critical work here. In the last 18 months the incredible charity has delivered suicide prevention training to more than 3,500 Year 10 to 12 students and to over 1,200 school staff in Cumbria.
Moreover Dr Hudson has also worked closely with PAPYRUS and their fundraising champions 3 Dads Walking. Dr Hudson secured a meeting with the 3 Dads and the Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street last year before the Education Secretary promised to evaluate their proposed suicide prevention measures for school in an ongoing curricula review. You can read more about the meeting here.
Minister for Mental Health Maria Caulfield - who Dr Hudson introduced to the 3 Dads Walking in Parliament - said:
"Every suicide is a tragedy which leaves a terrible mark on the families and communities affected.
"Non-profit organisations play a hugely important role in supporting people with their mental health and preventing suicide in England.
"This new funding will support people who need it the most and build on the brilliant work happening across the country on suicide prevention."
The fund was announced in the 2023 Autumn Statement to support charities in either meeting increased demand for suicide prevention services, or to support a range of diverse and innovative activity that can help to prevent suicides in England.
PAPYRUS aims to establish 6 new community hubs, largely down the east coast of England, which will go towards engaging and training parents and caregivers, providing them with free resources and free training.
