Prime Minister Theresa May, on Wednesday, announced the appointment of the health minister Jackie Doyle-Price to the new role.
She will lead government efforts to cut the number of suicides and overcome the stigma that prevents people with mental health problems from seeking help.
Doyle-Prince, who is also a Conservative Member of Parliament and the health minister is the first ever minister for suicide prevention.
“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,” May said.
According to a new report by WHO, suicide is the second leading cause of death globally for young people aged between 15 and 19. The report also suggested there is little difference reported in mental health services and support between countries of low and middle average incomes and those of high incomes.
The appointment of Doyle-Price is one of the UK government’s efforts to confront the issue. The new role will see Doyle-Price head up a ministerial taskforce, work with experts in suicide and self-harm prevention, charities, clinicians and those personally affected by suicide.
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