Health minster Jackie Doyle-Price has been appointed as the UK’s first minster for suicide prevention to mark World Mental Health Day.
Ms Doyle-Price was chosen as minister for mental health and inequalities following the 2017 general election.
As suicide prevention minister, she will be tasked with helping the Government reduce the number of suicides and lead on suicide prevention – working at both national and local level.
Responding to Ms Doyle-Price’s appointment, health and social care secretary Matt Hancock said: ‘We need to do more to challenge the stigma that people with mental ill-health face and make sure they feel they can reach out for help.
‘I am delighted we are appointing Jackie Doyle-Price as our dedicated minister for suicide prevention, and I know she will make a real difference.’
Commenting on her own appointment, Ms Doyle-Price said: ‘In my time as health minister I have met many people who have been bereaved by suicide and their stories of pain and loss will stay with me for a long time.
‘It’s these people who need to be at the heart of what we do and I welcome this opportunity to work closely with them, as well as experts, to oversee a cross-government suicide prevention plan, making their sure their views are always heard.’
