Suicide prevention should be included in the Relationship Sex and Health Education (RSHE) curriculum - Nick Fletcher

The 3 Dads (Andy, Mike and Tim) recently lost their three young daughters to suicide (Sophie, Beth and Emily). All in the prime of their life with bright futures ahead.

These brave men came together to set off on a fundraising walk in 2021, with another walk in 2022. They have raised over £1m for Papyrus and their Hopelink UK helpline and text service which provides much needed support to our young people at risk of suicide.

In many ways, what is more important is they have raised awareness of a subject that is sadly affecting so many families. So much so that almost 160,000 people have signed their petition asking for suicide prevention to be included in Relationship Sex and Health Education (RSHE) curriculum delivered in schools.

Obviously, the three dads have a specific interest because they have suffered their individual tragic loss, but their main reason is to help other families and young people and stop the single biggest killer of our young people. That is right. The single biggest killer of our young people.

The latest Office for National Statistics figures show that in the period between April 2020 and March 2021, 157 young men and 72 young women between the ages of 10 and 19 took their own lives. Behind every sad death are also those left behind. Research suggests that each life lost to suicide affects 135 other people.

What I have also learnt is that language also really matters. Before I became a MP, I like so many had used the word ‘commit’ suicide. Now I know how wrong that is. I would urge everyone not to use it.

It is an out-of-date term for people taking their own lives, which treats it as if it were still a crime, which perpetuates the stigma around suicide, and one we should refrain from using.

People do not commit a crime when they take their own life. They are obviously in a place of deep unhappiness and their memory should not be tarnished by poor language. They ‘took their own life’ or have ‘died by suicide’. Let us all try and remember that.

The petition is being debated in Parliament on Monday. If the Government agrees, then better information and support would be given to our young people and also to parents and teachers.

There is no point trying to hide from these difficult issues when young lives are at stake and so much is available on phones anyway.

The Government has already said it will be including suicide prevention as a key priority area in its forthcoming review of RSHE. A move I greatly welcome.

I must pay tribute to the three dads for leading this campaign. Their bravery and dedication has so touched so many and I am confident they will be successful.

A lasting legacy to the life of their three daughters.

Nick Fletcher is the Conservative MP for Don Valley.