To mark World Mental Health Day, The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales has announced the launch of the National Suicide Prevention Network—a groundbreaking initiative aimed at transforming suicide prevention across all four nations of the UK.
Bringing together four leading charities from England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales—alongside the Hub of Hope, the UK’s largest mental health support directory—the Network is set to build on existing progress in the sector. Its mission: to understand the root causes of suicide, provide accessible support, and drive greater collaboration to achieve meaningful change.
Backed by £1 million in initial funding over three years, the Network aims to reshape how suicide is understood and prevented. By improving access to evidence-based support and creating effective, joined-up prevention strategies, the Network seeks to make a lasting impact across the UK.
On the same day of this announcement, an interview with Rhian Mannings MBE, founder of bereavement charity 2wish, who speaks with The Prince of Wales about her personal loss and the urgent need for stronger support systems, was released to the media. 2wish has joined the Network as an innovation partner.
Aired in part on some news channels, here is the full 7 minute interview:
The initiative will be chaired by Professor Ann John, a leading public health expert in suicide and self-harm prevention, and Consultant in Public Health Medicine for Public Health Wales. Activities will be led by the founding partners and will evolve over time, with a core focus on:
- Understanding and tackling the root causes of suicide
- Making support more accessible for all
- Encouraging cross-sector collaboration, innovation and action
Suicide is a complex issue shaped by social, economic and personal factors, and there is no single model of support that fits all. However, the Network is founded on the belief that by working together, we can do far more to prevent the 7,055 lives lost to suicide each year in the UK.
Organisations across the UK are joining forces to reach people most affected, address gaps in support, and foster greater collaboration. Alongside the founding partners, over a dozen other organisations are joining the Network as innovation partners, receiving seed funding to deliver new, targeted projects.
Projects Supported by the National Suicide Prevention Network
The Royal Foundation’s investment will support the delivery of vital new projects run by each of the founding partners:
- Jac Lewis Foundation (Wales)
https://jaclewisfoundation.co.uk/
As announced on World Suicide Prevention Day in September, and following a visit from Prince William, The Royal Foundation is funding a new drop-in centre, located inside Cardiff’s Principality Stadium. Based on an innovative model, delivered in the heart of local communities, it will provide professional mental health services with the capacity to serve hundreds of people.
- James’ Place (England)
https://www.jamesplace.org.uk/
Two new community-based satellite services, supporting men who have reached a crisis point, in the North of England.
- Mikeysline (Scotland)
https://mikeysline.co.uk/
A new ‘Hive on the Road’ Transit van, together with a mental health outreach worker, delivering mental health support to remote areas in the Scottish Highlands.
- PIPS Suicide Prevention Ireland (Northern Ireland)
https://pipscharity.com/
A new 24-hour mental health crisis helpline available across Northern Ireland.
The Hub of Hope, developed by Chasing the Stigma, also joins the Network as a founding partner, connecting users to thousands of local and national mental health services.
The latest statsitics from the House of Commons Library on suicide, can be downloaded by clicking on the image to the right.
His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales said:
“The incredible partners who form this network reach those at risk of, or affected by, suicide with their inspirational work. I’ve had the privilege of meeting all of the founding partners and witnessing their powerful, community-based efforts. Their work highlights the urgent need—and the hope—behind the National Suicide Prevention Network: to build a bold, unified national response to the heartbreaking—and preventable—tragedy of suicide.”
Innovation Partners & Sector Collaboration
Over a dozen innovation partners—ranging from grassroots crisis support providers to organisations focused on underrepresented groups—are also receiving funding to trial new, targeted approaches to suicide prevention.
To support the Network’s development, The Royal Foundation commissioned research involving 20 organisations, academics and sector leaders. The findings will guide future action and ensure the Network responds to real-world needs.
A new film released today captures the voices of the founding partners and their hopes for the Network’s impact. Another features Rhian Mannings MBE, founder of bereavement charity 2wish, who speaks with The Prince of Wales about her personal loss and the urgent need for stronger support systems. 2wish has joined the Network as an innovation partner.
This Network signals a new era of collaboration, action and hope—uniting charities, communities, and experts in a national effort to save lives.
Let’s talk
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this story, information and support can be found at the Hub of Hope, the UK’s largest mental health support directory: https://hubofhope.co.uk/
For more information or to access mental health support, visit: Hub of Hope
