The NHS and partners in London have set out their vision of how people across the Capital can access mental health care and support as part of their 10-year mental health strategy.

The London Mental Health Strategy puts prevention at the heart of London’s mental health system with the vision to enable communities to live well by providing a clear and consistent service offer across the London footprint

Vanessa Ford is the Chief Executive at South West London St. George’s Mental Health Trust, and the Senior Responsible Owner for the London Mental Health Strategy, published this May.

She said: “Too many lives are lost to suicide that could have been saved with timely, compassionate care. Our London Mental Health Strategy puts prevention and patient-centred care at the heart of everything we do.

“The London mental health system is stepping up to ensure nobody falls through the cracks. We want everyone to receive appropriate, personalised care, in a timely way, when and where they need it.”

Following extensive engagement with local mental health partners, The London Mental Health Board set out aims to:

• Expand 24/7 community support through new neighbourhood mental health centres
• Offer holistic care for people with substance use needs
• Transform inpatient care
• Expand mental health support for young people in London schools.

Londoners can access emotional support through NHS Talking Therapies. Patients do not need to have a diagnosed mental health condition to refer themselves to NHS talking therapies and receive the support they need.

People experiencing suicidal thoughts can often find it hard to talk about their feelings. The focus for this World Suicide Prevention Day (10^th September 2025) is ‘Changing the Narrative on Suicide’, and communities are encouraged to #StartTheConversation to reduce stigma.

To facilitate these conversations and break the stigma surrounding suicide, the NHS in London urges more Londoners to sign up for free suicide prevention training courses, run by Zero Suicide Alliance. It only takes 30 minutes and could save a life.

Founded in 2019 by the Mayor of London and partners, the #ZeroSuicideLDN campaign has provided training to nearly half a million Londoners (465,000), who have learned how to support those around them who may be in crisis.

James’ Place understands the importance of conversation in supporting local men in the throes of suicidal crisis. Based in Moorgate, the charity works to save local men’s lives through by offering free treatment by from trained therapists, in a friendly, non-clinical environment.  The charity aims to see men for an initial assessment within two working days of them seeking help.

While suicidal crises can affect anyone, ONS data shows that men are three times more likely to die by suicide in England than women. In 2024 alone, James’ Place provided 382 men in London with life-changing, professional support, to help them turn their lives around.

Just One of these men, Masih Motamedvaziri, was referred to James’ Place last year as the breakdown of his relationship left him feeling suicidal. There, he received one-hour therapy sessions over eight weeks, which changed his life.

He said: “It’s surreal to think that when I came here for my first session I didn’t think I’m going to make it through the week and then I suddenly blossomed into what I wanted to be.”

Like Masih, in 2024 Damien was referred to James’ Place by his GP, which became a lifeline of support during his suicidal crisis.

He said: “Everyone was really nice. Talking about everything that’s happened to me for the first time has helped me so much.

“Since leaving James’ Place I don’t feel so isolated, and I feel more in control. If I start to have bad thoughts or bad days, I know I can change my mood by getting up and doing something, and I know James’ Place is there if I need help again.”

In 2023, England saw the highest rate of men taking their own lives since 1999 (17.4 deaths per 100,000 men).

Andy Noon, Acting Head of Centre, James’ Place London, said: “To ensure men in crisis get the help they need, we work closely with colleagues in the suicide prevention sector and with our referral partners in the NHS and other organisations.

“Men can refer themselves directly to us via our website jamesplace.org.uk, but around 57% of our referrals come from our partners working in health and community services. It’s so important for all of us to play our part in preventing suicide, by looking out for each other in difficult times, asking someone directly if they are suicidal if we are worried, and finding out about where help can be found locally.”

Although men are less likely to use NHS Talking Therapies service than women, patient experience surveys have shown that 92% of male patients who completed their session felt they received the help they needed during all, or most of their treatment, with 94% feeling that therapy staff always listened and treated their concerns seriously.

Find NHS Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression here. If you need urgent help for your mental health, call 111 or visit NHS 111 online.