A “major” new suicide prevention strategy involving more than 100 different measures has been set out by the Government today.
Just a day after World Suicide Prevention Day was marked all across the globe (10 September), the UK Government has now announced its own plans to address the alarming rise in suicide rates in England through a new national strategy.
The ‘National Suicide Prevention Strategy’ sees the Government pledge to reduce the number of suicides in England within two and a half years at the very latest.
Over 100 measures have been outlined in the new strategy that’s aimed at “saving lives”.
These measures will work to provide early intervention, and supporting anyone going through the trauma of a crisis, according to the Government.
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‘Major’ new strategy to prevent suicides nationwide announced by Government / Credit: iStockphoto
Just some of these measures include a new national alert system to notify relevant authorities – such as schools, universities, and charities – of emerging methods of suicides and risks, and any required actions that can reduce access or limit awareness, as well as fresh guidance issued to first responders that recognise new and emerging suicide methods, and how these incidents should be dealt with.
Near real-time surveillance of trends in tragic suicides will also be introduced on a national scale this year as part of the strategy, which will work to provide “more timely and targeted actions”.
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The Government is also pledging to collaborate with countries around the world to “target and stop suppliers of dangerous and lethal substances at the source”.
Talking about suicide is hard. But it can save lives. If you're worried someone you care about is feeling suicidal, here are some tips on how to have that conversation.
If you’re worried someone is feeling suicidal, asking them directly won’t make them more likely to act on it. It can encourage them to be honest about how they’re feeling. Many people feel relieved and less isolated when they’re asked. (7/9)
Health and Social Care Secretary, Steve Barclay, said the new strategy will ensure anyone experiencing the “turmoil of a crisis” has access to the urgent support they need.
He added: “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.
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“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”.
Today’s announcement of the new ‘National Suicide Prevention Strategy’ comes after the Government launched a £10 million Suicide Prevention Grant Fund last month – which is calling on the voluntary sector across England to apply for funding to continue “supporting tens of thousands of people experiencing suicidal thoughts”.
It also comes alongside an expected spend of £13.6 billion this year alone, according to the Government, which will “transform the country’s mental health services” so millions of people can “quickly access NHS support”.
A £10 million fund is available for charities providing life-saving suicide prevention services and resources.
It will mean more people can get the right support when they need it.
If you or anyone you know is struggling right now, please know that you are never alone and there are many different places you can reach out to for support right here in Greater Manchester.
Suffering in silence never need be the way.
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Manchester Mind – An organisation that has supported people in Manchester for over 30 years. Most services are now available over the phone, by email or video call. The number is 0161 769 5732 and the opening hours are Monday – Friday, 10am -2pm.
The GM Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust – The local NHS helpline is open 24/7 which you can call any time, day or night, if you feel your mental health is beginning to suffer: 0800 953 0285.
Andy’s Man Club – A group dedicated to starting conversations about mental health, assuring people that it’s ok to talk. You can contact them by email on: [email protected].
CALM – The Campaign Against Living Miserably supports people via phone and webchat. You can call 0800 58 58 58 or speak to a support worker online. Open 5pm – midnight.
Samaritans – The Manchester & Salford Samaritans offer emotional support by telephone and email. The phone lines and email support are available 24/7. Call 116 123 or visit the website.
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Featured Image – Andrew Neel (via Pexels)
News
Elbow teams up with Co-op Live to donate equipment to Manchester grassroots venues
Thomas Melia
Bury band Elbow have joined forces with Manchester’s biggest indoor arena, Co-op Live, in aid of supporting local grassroots venues.
The funds will help improve the already incredible music scene in Manchester, benefitting staples likes Night and Day Café, Matt and Phred’s Jazz Club, SOUP and more.
All of the donations will be distributed across six independent music venues and will be used for various instruments, PA equipment, backline technology and other necessities depending on the requirements of each site.
Elbow have teamed up with Co-op Live in aid of supporting Manchester grassroots venues.Credit: Supplied
This initiative has been keeping Manchester’s Northern Quarter in the forefront of people’s minds when it comes to live music as well as the impressive Co-op Live.
Alongside providing vital resources for these local institutions, Elbow teaming up with Co-op Live also helps cement the North West as one of the main powerhouses in relation to live music.
The latest efforts from the largest indoor arena in Manchester fall in line with celebrating one year of bringing some of the best live music to the city, being officially open for 12 months in May.
Co-op Live have made a commitment to the people and the planet, promising to donate £1 million annually to the Co-op Foundation.
The stunning Co-op Live venue, Manchester’s largest indoor arena.Elbow performing at Co-op Live, marking history as the first act to grace the venue.Credit: Audio North/Supplied
Manchester’s latest live music venue also contributed significantly to selected charities, including Happy Doggo – chosen by Liam Gallagher and Eric Clapton’s addiction recovery centre, Crossroads.
As Elbow teams up with Co-op Live, even more money is making its way to necessary resources, this time in the likes of crucial live music establishments.
Elbow front-person Guy Garvey says: “Playing Co-op Live’s opening night will stay with us for a lifetime, not least because of how incredible the room sounded.”
“When the venue donated funds in our name to support the city we love, it made complete sense to carry that through to the Northern Quarter and to venues that have meant so much to my bandmates and I throughout our career.”
Guy Dunstan, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Co-op Live, adds: “In the past year, I have been proud to see Co-op Live become an integral part of such an incredible city.”
“Teaming up with Elbow to directly support the venues that first put Manchester on the map, and to share something so intrinsic to us as venues – proper sound – is something truly special.”
Police launch investigation after a 19-year-old is stabbed in broad daylight at an Oldham retail park
Emily Sergeant
A police investigation has been launched after a stabbing in a ‘very public place’ in Oldham yesterday afternoon.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that officers were called out to Alexandra Retail Park in Oldham yesterday afternoon ( Sunday 30 March 2025) at 3:25pm, and when they arrived on the scene, they found that a 19-year-old man had been stabbed.
The victim was taken to hospital with ‘serious injuries’, and GMP assures that he and his family are being supported at this time.
A scene remains in place at the retail park and some of the surrounding areas while the investigation is ongoing, and a large police presence can also been seen too as officers continue to collect evidence and piece together the events of what happened.
Police also believe the attack to be an ‘isolated incident’ with those involved known to each other, indicating no threat to the wider public.
“We understand this incident is shocking and took place in a very public space,” commented Inspector Andrew Clayton.
“There have been no arrests so far, but enquiries are ongoing to determine who is responsible. At this stage, we do believe the attack to be an isolated incident involving those known to one another.”
Alexandra Retail Park, where the incident occurred yesterday afternoon / Credit: Google Maps
In a bid to gather as much information as possible, a public police appeal has been made.
Inspector Clayton continues: “We have spoken to a number of witnesses so far, but would encourage anyone who believes they have any information or dash cam footage which could assist our investigation, particularly that which may help us identify the perpetrators, to come forward.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact GMP on 101, quoting log 1757 of 30/03/25, or by getting in touch with Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Emily Sergeant -
11th September 2023 
