Leading suicide prevention expert joins board at James' Place

One of the UK’s foremost suicide prevention experts, Professor Rory O’Connor, has joined the Board of Trustees at suicide prevention charity, James’ Place.

Professor Rory O’Connor is Professor of Health Psychology at the University of Glasgow in Scotland where he leads the Suicidal Behaviour Research Laboratory, one of the leading suicide and self-harm research groups internationally.  Rory is also President of the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), the largest suicide prevention organisation globally.

James’ Place offers free, life-saving treatment to men who are experiencing a suicidal crisis at centres in Liverpool and London. The charity was founded by Clare Milford Haven and Nick Wentworth-Stanley following the tragic death of their son James to suicide in 2006. Suicide is the leading cause of death in men under fifty.

Chief Executive Officer of James’ Place, Ellen O’Donoghue, said: “We are delighted that Professor O’Connor has joined our board at what is a very exciting time for the charity. Our unique suicide intervention model has already helped over 1,200 men since we opened our first centre in 2018 and we have big ambitions to extend our support across the country by opening three further centres in the next few years. Professor O’Connor’s expertise in the suicide prevention field will be invaluable to us as we continue our life-saving work.”

Professor O’Connor said: “I am excited to be joining the Board of Trustees at James’ Place, which is leading the way in delivering a new model of life-saving support for men in suicidal crisis.  James’ Place has ambitious plans for the future and I am pleased to be able to play my part as James’ Place strives to help as many men as possible to find a way through the darkness of suicidal pain.”

Men who are in suicidal crisis can seek support from James’ Place by contacting them directly Monday-Friday from 9:30am-5:30pm. If you or someone you know is suicidal you can access 24 hour support via the Samaritans on 116 123, text SHOUT to 85258, or seek help from your local A&E department.