National Highways has joined forces with mental health charity Chasing the Stigma to help people access support more quickly across the South.
The partnership is part of a new 12-month trial aimed at early intervention and preventing people from reaching crisis point.
New signs featuring QR codes will be placed in busy locations near motorways and major A-roads in Sussex and Hampshire. The codes will connect people to trusted local mental health support through Chasing the Stigma’s Hub of Hope platform.
National Highways says its traffic officers and control room teams regularly respond to welfare-related calls and work closely with emergency services to help keep people safe on the road network.
Around 50 suspected suicides are estimated to take place on motorways and major A-roads each year, accounting for approximately 20% of all deaths on the network.
Nicola Tweedie, National Highways’ Suicide Prevention Lead, said: “This partnership is an important step forward for National Highways as we continue our work to reduce and prevent harm across our network. We know mental health is complex and not something we can tackle on our own. We don’t want anyone to come to harm on our roads, which is why working with Chasing the Stigma is so important. It allows us to bring together the right expertise to better support people who may be struggling.
“Access to help at the right moment can make all the difference. By making it easier for people to find support quickly, we hope to help people get the help they need sooner and, most importantly, before things reach crisis point.”
The Hub of Hope brings together more than 14,000 mental health support services across the UK.
Jake Mills, CEO and founder of Chasing the Stigma, said: "We’re incredibly proud to be partnering with National Highways. By working together to provide signposting to the Hub of Hope through signage across the road network, we’re making it easier for people to find help, wherever they are. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to improving access to mental health support and encouraging people to reach out before they reach crisis point. Together, we want everyone to know that support is available, and that nobody has to face their mental health challenges alone."
Insights from the trial will help inform future mental health support and provision.
If you need help with mental health, go to: Mental Health Support Network provided by Chasing the Stigma | Hub of hope or get in contact with the Samaritans: Samaritans | Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy | Here to listen or call free on 116 123.
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