Researchers back Liverpool suicide centre model

A charity which started in Liverpool is now helping men across the country in suicidal crisis.

James’ Place is “making a life-changing difference to individuals, their families, their communities, and the wider system”, according to a new report by Liverpool John Moores University.

Suicide is the leading cause of death among men under the age of 35. Around 5,500 people die by suicide in England each year, with 75% of lives lost men.

The charity has established centres in Liverpool and London where more than 2,100 men have had their lives turned around.

Last week a third centre – in Newcastle – was officially opened by HRH the Prince of Wales and two more are planned to open by the end of 2026.

The James’ Place model where men can talk to trained therapists in a non-clinical setting is successfully filling a void in services to the public.

Dr Pooja Saini’s independent evaluation of the service showed that men who receive treatment at James’ Place experience a clinically and statistically significant positive change in their mental wellbeing.

Dr Saini, Reader in Suicide and Self-Harm Prevention in LJMU’s Faculty of Health, said: “This is clearly a model which is working and is offering a service which is invaluable to men who are experiencing a suicidal crisis in response to social and psychological stressors.”

“What has worked well in Liverpool for some years is now working for men in other parts of the UK.”

Damian, who came to James’ Place, Liverpool, said: “I was in a really dark place. I went through a break-up and just felt totally alone and didn’t want to be here anymore. Luckily I spoke to a friend who had also been suicidal and he told me about James’ Place. They have helped me so much.”

“I can honestly say in 28 years I have never really felt happy until now. I’ve completely changed my mindset and let go of a lot of negative beliefs I had before. I feel like I can let people in now and talk to them about how I am feeling.”

Ellen O’Donoghue, Chief Executive, James’ Place, said: “This evaluation, which has now studied our model at our James’ Place centres in Liverpool and London, shows that the free therapy we provide to men in suicidal crisis reduces their psychological distress and has a clinically significant positive impact on their lives.

“We know that men need us and that what we offer isn’t available anywhere else, so we are working hard to make our treatment available to as many men as possible. We recently opened our third centre in Newcastle and will continue to open more centres across the country so that we can reach as many men as we can."

James’ Place was founded by Clare Milford Haven and Nick Wentworth-Stanley, following the tragic loss of their son, James in 2006 aged 21 (pictured, main page.) James went looking for someone to talk to about suicidal thoughts but didn’t find the urgent help he desperately needed.

IMAGE: The Prince of Wales opened the Liverpool centre in 2018.

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 at their centres in Liverpool, London and Newcastle.
• 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 www.jamesplace.org.uk for more information.