British Prime Minister Theresa May has appointed what is thought to be the world’s first minister for suicide prevention.
The move, intended to tackle the tragedy of 4,500 people taking their own lives in England each year, comes on World Mental Health Day.
Jackie Doyle-Price, a Conservative MP and current health minister, has been appointed to lead the government’s efforts to confront the issue, which is the leading cause of death in men aged under 45.
The new role will head up a ministerial taskforce, working with experts in suicide and self-harm prevention, charities, clinicians and those personally affected by suicide.
May said: “We can end the stigma that has forced too many to suffer in silence. We can prevent the tragedy of suicide taking too many lives.”
Doyle-Price, in her new role as minister for mental health, inequalities and suicide prevention, said: “In my time as health minister I have met many people who have been bereaved by suicide and their stories of pain and loss will stay with me for a long time. Read more