The government has launched a five-year plan to address increasing suicide rates and mental health problems among children and young people in the UK.
The government's promise to reverse these trends within two and a half years aligns with the launch of its first prevention strategy in over a decade. In 2022, England witnessed 5,275 suicides, representing a rate of 10.6 suicides per 100,000 people, as reported by the Office for National Statistics.
As a part of the strategy, a new national alert system will be implemented to engage schools, universities, and charities in notifying relevant authorities about emerging suicide methods and associated risks, along with any necessary measures to restrict access or reduce awareness.
Additional initiatives aimed at children and young people, as highlighted in the strategy, include:
Collaborating with NHS England to continue the expansion of mental health support teams in educational institutions.
Reviewing guidance on relationships, sex, and health education to explore the inclusion of explicit curriculum components related to suicide and self-harm prevention.
Providing funding to all state schools and colleges to facilitate the training of a senior mental health lead by the year 2025.
Allocating funds to anti-bullying organisations to assist schools in addressing bullying issues.
Health and Social Care Secretary, Steve Barclay, said: “This national cross-government strategy details over 100 actions we’ll take to ensure anyone experiencing the turmoil of a crisis has access to the urgent support they need.
“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.
“We’re 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.”
If you or anyone you know is struggling with their mental health or thoughts of self-harm, please reach out to a trusted healthcare professional, such as your GP or call 999 in an emergency.
You can also speak to a Samaritan free and confidentially on 116 123 or via an online chat.
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