Minister For Mental Health & Suicide Prevention

At the Be Free Campaign, we believe that mental health should be a top priority for the UK government. With millions of people waiting for mental health treatment and suicide rates continuing to rise, the time has come for a stand-alone Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention.

Currently, mental health responsibilities are spread across broader ministerial portfolios, diluting the attention and resources needed to tackle this crisis effectively. We need a dedicated Minister who can focus solely on improving mental health services, reducing waiting times, and ensuring that suicide prevention is a national priority.

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Why Do We Need a Stand-Alone Minister?

• Focused Leadership: A dedicated Minister for Mental Health would ensure that mental health issues receive the attention they deserve, with a clear, targeted agenda for addressing the mental health crisis.

• Accountability: Having a single Minister responsible for mental health and suicide prevention would create greater transparency and accountability, ensuring the government takes action to improve mental health services and support.

• Suicide Prevention: With suicide being the leading cause of death among young people, a Minister focused on mental health would lead efforts to implement effective suicide prevention strategies and provide urgent support for those in crisis.

• International Examples: Countries like Australia, New Zealand, and Scotland have successfully appointed stand-alone Ministers for Mental Health, resulting in more coordinated and effective responses to mental health challenges. The UK can and must follow suit.

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Join Us in Calling for Change

We are calling on the government to establish a stand-alone Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, with a dedicated brief and a clear focus on tackling the mental health crisis. This is not just a political issue—it's a human issue that affects us all.

How You Can Help:

• Sign Our Letter: Join us and other supporters by adding your name to our open letter to Sir Keir Starmer, calling for a stand-alone Minister for Mental Health.

• Spread the Word: Share our campaign on social media, and encourage others to get involved. The more voices we have, the louder our message will be.

• Get Involved: Whether you're an individual or part of an organisation, you can help by joining the movement and raising awareness of the urgent need for dedicated leadership on mental health.