Our plans for three new life-saving centres

We’re delighted today to announce our ambitious expansion plan to open three new centres in Birmingham, Bristol and Newcastle Gateshead.

Ellen O’Donoghue, Chief Executive of James’ Place said: “We know that our model works and our aim is that by the end of 2026 half the male population in England will be able to access our life-saving services. The men we see feel that their death by suicide is the answer to the problems that they’re facing. We’ve helped over 1,200 men to date with our short and focused one to one therapy and are determined to reach more men that desperately need our help. Suicide is the leading cause of death of men under 50 and we want to change that. Over the next three years we aim to raise £10 million to enable us to open new centres in Birmingham, Bristol and Newcastle Gateshead with the aim of treating up to 2,000 men a year once at full capacity.”

Independent research carried out by lead researcher Dr Pooja Saini, Reader in Suicide and Self Harm Prevention at Liverpool John Moores University and released today shows that the James’ Place treatment model reduces suicidality in men and makes a life-changing difference to individuals, their families, their communities and the wider system.  The research shows that on average men who have attended James’ Place Liverpool between 2018-2021 experienced a clinically and statistically significant positive change in their mental wellbeing following their treatment and reduced levels of psychological distress. These men were no longer considered to be in suicidal crisis due to a reduction in thoughts around suicide, plans and intention to act on suicidal thoughts, and risk-taking behaviour. The research also showed there was a statistically significant reduction in feelings of entrapment, a key indicator of psychological distress. Read the full report here.

Michael* contacted James’ Place when he was struggling after his mum passed away. He explained how he felt before and after his treatment. “My mental health issues began with the loss of my mum. I just felt like everything was on top of me and I really just couldn’t feel… like, if I drew a picture, I would have just been sat in the corner with a rock on top, just weighted down by things. Now, I feel so light, and a different person.”

We are currently connecting with local stakeholders in each of the chosen cities and exploring locations with a view to opening the next centre in Newcastle in early 2024. Anyone who would like to know more about how they can get involved can contact James’ Place by emailing info@jamesplace.org.uk

Men who are in suicidal crisis in London and Liverpool can seek support from James’ Place by contacting us directly Monday-Friday from 9:30am-5:30pm. Visit www.jamesplace.org.uk/support for more information. 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.