People struggling with their mental health will be better supported thanks to a £10 million funding boost for organisations working to prevent suicides, including residents in Wirral.
Wirral Mind is set to receive £110,000 - one of 79 organisations benefitting from 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.
Both national charities and small community-led charities, which provide tailored support for local areas, will receive new funding to support people with their mental health.
Many charities will deliver services through partnerships and alliances, to help ensure joined-up support for individuals seeking help.
Minister for Mental Health Maria Caulfield 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.
Applications were open from 25 August to 1 October 2023. This page lists the 79 organisations that have been provisionally successful, subject to finalisation of the grant agreement.
The Samaritans will receive a grant of £530,000, to support its 24/7 helpline services and wider innovative suicide prevention activities.
Julia Bentley, CEO of Samaritans, said:
This funding will help Samaritans continue our mission to save lives.
The voluntary sector plays a crucial part in suicide prevention and, in this challenging environment, financial support for charities has never been more important.
Today’s announcement is a welcome step towards the resourcing needed to deliver the national suicide prevention strategy.
The suicide prevention strategy commits to more than 130 measures, from prevention and earlier intervention, through to more targeted and proactive support for people in crisis.