The Army Benevolent Fund is committed to promoting mental wellbeing among the Armed Forces community. Our new partnership with James’ Place will help more soldiers and veterans to seek treatment during a suicidal crisis.
James’ Place is a charity offering free, life-saving therapy to suicidal men in London, the North East and the North West. Their mission is to help men aged 18+ who are in crisis, by providing quick access to short and focused one-to-one therapy.
We are pleased to award James’ Place a grant of £20,000, which will contribute towards the funding of its professional therapists, so help and assistance can be provided at the right time, with the right intervention, and the right level of care and support.
James’ Place has been recognised for its best practice in the sector in the recent Government Suicide Prevention Strategy. The organisation aims to see men for a welcome assessment within 48 hours of receiving their referral and has treated over 3,100 suicidal men since 2018, when its first centre opened in Liverpool.
John Younger, Head of Centre for James’ Place Newcastle, said:
“We are very pleased to be working with the Army Benevolent Fund to support the Armed Forces community. The grant will be used to fund a professional therapist at our Newcastle centre, which has helped over 400 men in suicidal crisis to date, including veterans. This is also part of a wider outreach project to increase referrals from the Armed Forces community, as there are groups within the community who are at increased risk of suicide compared to the general population. Any man in suicidal crisis in the North East, North West or London can refer themselves to us for free, life-saving therapy in a safe, friendly and non-clinical environment. We also accept referrals from professionals, including those working in health and community services, and from concerned friends and family.”
Brigadier (Ret’d) Peter Monteith, Chief Operating Officer, Army Benevolent Fund, added:
“Providing veterans with access to professional mental health services is a priority for our charity. We are delighted to award this grant to James’ Place, so that serving personnel and Army veterans receive the right level of care and support when faced with a suicidal crisis.”
Read more about James’ Place here.