Thank you for contacting me about Government action to reduce self-harm and suicide.
Every case of suicide is a tragedy many times over: for the person who could see no way out; for their family and friends, often left with an intolerable burden of guilt; and also, for society as a whole in its failure to provide greater support. I note the campaign being run by Samaritans about local funding for suicide prevention. All future funding commitments are a matter for the Treasury, which will outline its spending plans at the Autumn Statement shortly. However, I hope that the Government’s commitment and record in delivering record investment of £15.9 billion in mental health services just in this financial year, which is 28% more funding than in 2018, should give confidence that this Government will continue to deliver on mental health services.
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