February marks International Boost Self-Esteem Month and on the 7th February, I decided to ask the Government what strategies are in place to support people who have, attempted to, or are thinking about taking their own life.
I did so by raising my own very personal story about my experience in 2021 when I attempted to take my own life.
I cannot begin to say how nervous I was, but the response has been absolutely overwhelmingly kind from all sides. To receive such nice comments from my constituents is especially heart-warming. I love doing this job, I meet amazing people every day and getting to represent the place that’s been home my whole life is an honour that I cannot put into words.
The last week has given me the opportunity to hear from so many people, whether they reached out to say nice things, or to share their own personal stories with their own or a loved one’s mental health. I am humbled that people have opened up to me in this way and I just hope that this will be the start of a wider national conversation into what more we can do for people who are suffering with poor mental health.
As I said in my speech, no one should feel alone or unsupported. There is help. There are better days ahead.
Listed below are numerous help lines which are there for the sole aim of helping others. Please, speak up if you are going through anything. A problem shared is a problem halved.
Now I've shared my story, I want to ensure that we can do better for mental health in the UK. As an MP, a patient and as someone who used to work in the NHS, I'm the first to admit that there's much more we need to do - you have my promise that I will work hard to deliver the change we need.
Sutton Mental Health Foundation
Call - 020 8770 0172
Email - [email protected]
Sutton Uplift
Call - 0800 032 1411
Email - [email protected]
Samaritans
Call - 116 123
Email - [email protected]
Campaign Against Living Miserably
Call - 0800 58 58 58 (5pm to midnight)
Papyrus - prevention of young suicide HOPELINE 247
Call - 0800 068 41 41
Text - 07860 039967
Email - [email protected]
Childline (for children and young people under 19)
Call - 0800 1111
SOS Silence of Suicide
Call - 0300 1020 505 (4pm to midnight)