Male suicide prevention centre opens third branch

The charity was set up in memory of James Wentworth-Stanley

A suicide prevention charity founded by the family of a man who took his own life has opened its third branch.

Newcastle University student James Wentworth-Stanley was 21 years old when he died.

His family set up James' Place to provide free treatment to suicidal men and its newest branch has opened in Newcastle.

Chief executive Ellen O’Donoghue said: "With men in suicidal crisis it is really important that they get the right help really quickly."

The charity previously opened centres in London and Liverpool and has treated more than 1,800 men.

The Newcastle centre has begun operating on Summerhill Street and accepts patients who self-refer or are referred by a health professional, friend or family member.

Connor Doyle received helped at the James' Place's Liverpool centre

Connor Doyle, 31, who tried to take his own life, said help from the Liverpool centre saved him.

"When you get to a certain point that is the only option you see," he said.

"I think that is why it is so important to seek that help because then speaking to people who know what they are talking about can open your eyes and really show you that there are other options.

"From that very first session I was like a different person."

Suicide is the single leading cause of death for men under 50 and the North East has the highest rates in England.

James' Place is looking to open a two more centres in England by 2026 and aims to treat 2,000 men a year.