Grant from The Squires Foundation helps Newcastle centre set up peer support group

PRESS RELEASE

GRANT HELPS NEWCASTLE SUICIDE PREVENTION CHARITY OFFER PEER SUPPORT

Male suicide prevention charity James’ Place has received a grant of £37,500 across three years from The Squires Foundation enabling them to set up a peer support group for men who have used their service.

The charity offers free, life-saving therapy to men in suicidal crisis to men across the North East at their centre on Summerhill Street in Newcastle City Centre. They have helped over 570 men since opening in January 2024.  The men that come to the centres are in a suicidal crisis largely driven by life events such as a relationship breakdown, financial problems or bereavement.

The grant from The Squires Foundation has enabled the charity to set up a peer support group, for men who have recently finished their therapy at James’ Place, but benefit from having a space to share their experiences with others in the same boat.

47 year old Steven Simpson came to James’ Place for help last year after a suicidal crisis and is now a member of the group. He said: “I’ve really enjoyed being in a space with other guys who have been through a similar crisis; hearing their stories, connecting and sharing our experiences of the darkness we’ve all seen. It’s a very relaxed environment and once we get talking we lose track of time! We support each other really well and now have a group chat to stay in touch between sessions if anyone needs to talk. It’s been great to be a part of it.”

John Younger, Head of Centre for James’ Place Newcastle said: “At James’ Place we help men in suicidal crisis find hope for the future. We’re really grateful to The Squires Foundation for this grant. We’ve already held our first group for 7 men, and they all got a lot out of being with each other and sharing their stories. I think some great friendships will be made and the men will be able to support each other going forward.”

Matthew Squires from The Squires Foundation said: ““The Squires Foundation is proud to support the development of the new Peer Support Group at James’ Place Newcastle. Since opening its doors, James’ Place has made a profound impact on the lives of hundreds of men across the region, offering compassionate, life-saving support at a time when it is most needed.”

Men can refer themselves directly to James’ Place at jamesplace.org.uk/support. You can also refer a man you are worried about. The centre is open by appointment only Monday-Friday 9.30am-5.30pm. If you or someone you know is suicidal and needs immediate help you can access 24 hour support by calling the NHS on 111 and selecting option two,  call the Samaritans on 116 123, text SHOUT to 85258, or seek help from your local A&E department.

ENDS

For all media enquiries contact Gemma Matthews on 020 3831 6645 or email gemma.matthews@jamesplace.org.uk

Notes to editors

• James’ Place works to save the lives of men in suicidal crisis. The charity offers free, life-saving treatment to suicidal men in their centres in Liverpool, London and Newcastle.
• James’ Place stops men dying by suicide. The charity quickly gets to the heart of a man’s suicidal crisis and helps him solve it.
• James’ Place is unique because their treatment is proven to work, quick to access and delivered in a safe, friendly, non-clinical environment by trained, professional therapists.
• James’ Place has treated over 3,100 suicidal men since the opening of its first centre in Liverpool in 2018.
• Men can self-refer or be referred to James’ Place by a professional including those working in health and community services, or by a friend or family member. Visit jamesplace.org.uk for more information.