‘Getting support saved my life’ - on World Suicide Prevention Day, NHS urges people to seek help
A North East man who came close to ending his own life has shared his story of mental health crisis, to inspire others to speak to someone, and access the help and support that's available across our region.
Andrew Thomson, 43, from North Shields, was referred to the charity James’ Place last year after he found himself in a mental health crisis with plans to end his own life. He said: “There was so much happening in my life. Work was cutting my hours, and I was finding it hard to make ends meet. I was dealing with an undiagnosed neurodivergence, and I was binge drinking to cope."
Thanks to James’ Place, Andrew received therapy that helped to save his life, and is now working to set up in business as a photographer.
Andrew continued: “Just being able to get it all out and off my chest and speak to someone who helped me organise those feelings and prioritise what I needed to work on first. That was huge for me, absolutely huge. My life has turned around.
"I'm not saying I'm perfect - I've still got problems, but I'm able to handle problems and situations a lot better. James' Place really helped me when I needed it most. My life has changed since I went to them for support.”
James’ Place, a charity offering life-saving therapy to suicidal men, has a centre in Newcastle, as well as bases in Liverpool and London. The charity works to save local men’s lives by offering through free treatment 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. In 2024-25 alone, James’ Place provided 475 men in the North East with life-changing, professional support to help them turn their lives around.
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.
Andrew has shared his story to mark World Suicide Prevention Day, an opportunity to remind people about the help and support that is available across the region. The focus for World Suicide Prevention Day this year is ‘Changing the Narrative on Suicide’, which encourages people to speak and reduce stigma.
There is a range of services in the North East and North Cumbria to provide mental health support if you need it.
NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) has made a grant to support James’ Place in Newcastle. Levi Buckley, chief delivery officer at the ICB, said:
"Talking, sharing and getting support can make a huge difference if you are feeling in crisis or despair, so it's a real help for men to have support available from James' Place.
"We have good mental health services in our region but we know there is more to do, and we are working hard to add new support. We are developing a range of mental health safe havens, with the first already open in Northumberland, North Tyneside and Newcastle, and a 24-hour crisis texting service is now available.
"These new services are in addition to things like NHS Talking Therapies and mental health crisis support available through NHS 111."
Joanne Poole, Head of Clinical Programmes for Mental Health at NHS England North East and Yorkshire, said: “As part of the 10 Year Health Plan, and thanks to ongoing efforts from NHS teams across our region, we’re working closely with our system partners to improve mental health services for our population.
“People can access emotional support through NHS Talking Therapies. They do not need to have a diagnosed mental health condition to refer themselves to NHS talking therapies and get the support they need.
“Last year, we confirmed that anyone experiencing a mental health crisis can now benefit from support through NHS 111. People in crisis or concerned loved ones can call 111, select the mental health option and access a trained mental health professional, who can guide and support them with next steps such as face-to-face community support or access to crisis alternative services.”
You can find details of some of the region's mental health support services on the North East and North Cumbria ICB website.
NHS Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression can be found on the NHS website.
For urgent help with mental health issues, call 111 or visit NHS 111 online.