The UK now has a Minister for Suicide Prevention and it's about time

As of today there's a new job title in the UK government. Minister for Suicide Prevention.

And, it's a job title that's long been needed.

4,500 people die by suicide per year in England and suicide is the leading cause of death among men under the age of 45 (per government figures).

On World Mental Health Day 2018, UK Prime Minister Theresa May announced the appointment of Jackie Doyle-Price as Minister for Mental Health, Inequalities and Suicide Prevention.

In a statement, Doyle-Price said she understands the devastating and long-lasting impact suicide has on families and communities.

"In my time as health minister I have met many people who have been bereaved by suicide and their stories of pain and loss will stay with me for a long time," said Doyle-Price.

"It’s these people who need to be at the heart of what we do and I welcome this opportunity to work closely with them, as well as experts, to oversee a cross-government suicide prevention plan, making their sure their views are always heard," she added.

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The prime minister also announced that new resources will be created to support children and young people's mental health. This includes funding "mental health support teams" who will work in young people in schools. Per the announcement, trainees will "begin studying" in January 2019 and will start work in schools that year. Also announced were tools to "help schools measure their students' health, including their mental wellbeing."

In a statement, Samaritans — a helpline dedicated to people in emotional distress who are at risk of suicide — welcomed this move.

"We are particularly pleased that the government has announced today that it will be introducing mental health lessons in schools," reads the statement. "Samaritans believes that learning to deal with your emotions is as important as learning to read and write. We therefore welcome this announcement and look forward to seeing details of it."

"We hope that they will be rolled out to every child in good time and are accompanied by an evidence-based, comprehensive syllabus," the statement continued.

If you want to talk to someone or are experiencing suicidal thoughts, text the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. If you're based in the UK or the ROI, call the Samaritans on 116 123. For international resources, this list is a good place to start.