The United Kingdom has appointed Jackie Doyle-Price as its first Minister for Suicide Prevention on World Mental Health Day.
The new Suicide Prevention Minister will ensure that every local area has an effective suicide prevention plan and gauge how the latest technology can be utilised to define those who are most at risk, according to an official statement by the UK government.
Matt Hancock, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care tweeted, “On #WorldMentalHealthDay, delighted that PM has appointed the first UK Minister for Suicide Prevention to lead a new national effort on suicide prevention & overcome the stigma that stops people seeking help.”
Furthermore, other British Members of Parliament like Madeleine Moon lauded the government’s effort and congratulated Doyle-Price in a tweet, “Congratulations to @JackieDP on her appointment as Minister for Suicide Prevention. I look forward to her continuing to work with the APPG for Suicide & Self-Harm Prevention & to ensure every local area has effective prevention plans in place to save lives. #WorldMentalHealthDay”
Jackie Doyle-Price previously held the post of Health Minister, before being appointed as UK’s first Minister for Suicide Prevention.
British Prime Minister Theresa May has also launched other efforts like funding the Samaritans charity with up to 1.8 million pounds. The charity aims at providing support to anyone in emotional distress or at risk of suicide. Furthermore, the government will support the Samaritans in keeping their helpline free for the next four years.
