Sports stars, actors and television personalities are urging British men to seek help for their mental health because “suicide is not the answer” in a powerful video on World Suicide Prevention Day.
Documentarian Louis Theroux, UFC star Paddy Pimblett, comedian Asim Chaudhry, Rye Lane star David Jonsson and footballer Tom Davies are among celebrities that teamed up to encourage men in crisis to access the right support.
Suicide is the single leading cause of death for men under the age of 50 while men are also three times more likely than women to commit suicide.
In a video to mark World Suicide Prevention Day on Sunday September 10, the stars promote the services of male-focused mental health charity James’ Place.
James’ Place offers free treatment at their centres in London and Liverpool with no waiting list.
The charity said has already supported more than 1,500 suicidal men in the two cities since 2018 with 7,500 therapy sessions.
A third centre will open later this year in the North East.
Ellen O’Donoghue, Chief Executive of James’ Place said: “James’ Place works to save the lives of suicidal men. One of our biggest challenges is making sure that people know about us, so that men in crisis can access our life-saving treatment.
“We...would urge any suicidal men in the North West and London, or their concerned family or friends, to get in touch with us.”
Men who are in suicidal crisis in the North West or London can self-refer or be referred to James’ Place by a professional, including those working in health and community services, or by a friend or family member.
James’ Place was founded by Clare Milford Haven and Nick Wentworth-Stanley following the death of their son James, aged 21, in 2006. Ten days after a minor operation, James took his own life.
The first James’ Place opened in June 2018 in Liverpool and a second centre opened in London last year.
Figures released by the charity show it has treated 245 men in the capital since being opened by the Prince of Wales.
Prince William said society is not tackling the problem of male suicide with enough urgency when he visited the centre in May 2022.
“I think men sometimes get so in the detail we forget about the bigger picture and being able to have that bit of support that can move them forward, and there is hope and a brighter future beyond that,” he said.
Men are referred for treatment at James’ Place through A&E, student counselling services and self-referrals and receive an appointment with a therapist within 48 hours. They go on to have between 6-8 sessions in a welcoming, non-clinical setting.
The charity plans to open three new centres in Birmingham, Bristol and Newcastle over the next three years.
