Suicide Minister praises our 'People Care' campaign

The world's first Minister for Suicide Prevention is praising Hits Radio's 'People Care' campaign, after we launched our initiative to break down the stigma around talking about suicide.

Jackie Doyle-Price said her job would be more difficult if she did not have the support of projects like ours to help turn the tide on mental health awareness.

Speaking exclusively to Hits Radio, she said:

"We need to give voice to those people. I would thank you for the campaign you're doing. I can't do my job without the support of people like yourselves in the media, who are also giving voice to these issues.

"Ultimately that's what we need to build if we're going to improve education and understanding to tackle it."

People Care launched earlier this year, following a shocking investigation that revealed Greater Manchester Police were dealing with more than five callouts to reports of a person in crisis on a bridge, every week.

"No-one should ever be alone at that stage in their life. That's the difference between life and death, just that moment of intervention.

"Quite often it is just somebody reaching out and having that conversation so it really is so important.

"The more we can do to raise awareness, so that we can encourage people to make that intervention if someone's in trouble, the better.

"For the longest time, suicide has been really very taboo so I'm very grateful that you have run this campaign."

If you are struggling, visit:

Samaritans: https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help-you/contact-us

Mind: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/support-community-elefriend