Fund to help save men's lives in Buckinghamshire
Projects tackling male suicide could benefit from grants of up to £15k
It's hoped men's lives will be saved in Buckinghamshire, thanks to a new fund.
It's been set up to help prevent male suicide here, with grants of up to £15,000 for projects which could help.
According to data from the Office for National Statistics, men accounted for three-quarters of suicide deaths in 2019 and men aged 45-49 years had the highest suicide rate.
Angela Macpherson, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, Buckinghamshire Council said:
"We are delighted to be able to launch the 'Saving Lives' fund.
"Talking openly about mental health is the only way we can break down barriers and reduce discrimination towards mental health illness.
With its emphasis on supporting men experiencing mental health illness, the Saving Lives fund will help improve awareness of the range of support available through communities and health services, increase mental health services and show people how to support loved ones who may be finding it hard to talk about how they are feeling."
Grants of up to £15,000 are available for projects such as those that improve access to mental health services, help to educate and raise awareness of male suicide, transform or enhance dialogue about suicide or develop mental health services.
Trudi Scrivener, Ambassador for Health and Wellbeing at Heart of Bucks said:
"Modern life can bring with it many stresses and unrealistic expectations. Until recently, mental health has been a taboo subject, especially for men who are typically less likely to talk about how they are feeling.
"The Saving Lives fund promotes the importance of looking after our mental health and will help to fund essential community support for those at risk."
For more information on the 'Saving Lives: Preventing male suicide in Buckinghamshire' fund, click here.