Steve McCabe MP has joined Samaritans and pledged to work with Samaritans to prevent youth loneliness in 2019.
Last year nearly 1,600 young people in the UK tragically took their own lives.
Samaritans is calling on the Government to make a number of policy commitments, including setting out ambitious national targets to improve young people’s wellbeing, and setting up national awareness campaigns to tackle the stigma associated with loneliness: letting young people know that it’s okay to seek help.
Steve McCabe MP said:
“At this time of year, it’s important to spare a thought for people who are lonely, isolated, and struggling. Loneliness can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts in young people, sadly, and the number of youth suicides has increased in recent years. Now more than ever we need to look at how we can make sure young people get the support they need.
That’s why I’ll be standing with Samaritans to prevent youth loneliness in Birmingham in 2019.”
Samaritans’ CEO, Ruth Sutherland, said:
“Loneliness amongst young people is at worrying levels, and sadly we know that it can be a factor in people taking their own lives. We’re asking the Government to make sure it has a firm action plan in place to make sure young people who might be at risk are identified and given the support they need”.
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