An MP has secured cross-party support for pushing for age-appropriate suicide awareness to be included in the school curriculum.

This success was thanks to help from mental health champion, and Penrith and the Border constituent, Andy Airey, who after the tragic passing of his daughter to suicide, has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for suicide prevention charities.

The motion, which also asks the Government to expand mental health first aid training to staff in schools and colleges, was signed by MPs from across the political spectrum– recognising the devastating impact suicide can have on communities across the country.

Neil Hudson, MP for Penrith and the Border, joined the ‘3 Dads’ for a leg of their walk as they journeyed into Penrith.

3 Dads is a group that raises money that helps fund suicide awareness and prevention charities.

Andy Airey is a member of 3 Dads Walking, along with Tim Owen and Michael Palmer. The group have raised money in memory of their daughters Sophie, Beth, and Emily who all tragically took their own lives.

Dr Hudson said: “This motion is paramount to making sure our children are safe.

“I’ve pushed for better mental health provision by raising it repeatedly in the chamber, on the EFRA Committee, and in discussions with ministers; but sadly still there is a hesitance within society to talk openly about suicide and suicide prevention.

“It was a real honour to join the 3 Dads on their walk as they journeyed into Penrith. The reception from everyone was uplifting to behold.

“Ultimately raising awareness of mental health, talking about suicide can help save lives of people young and old.”

Aiming to beat their own fundraising target, the team are now walking a month-long 600-mile trek, visiting all the UK’s parliaments on their route.

The money will go to the UK’s foremost young suicide prevention charity, PAPYRUS.

Aiming to raise £1million, you can help support the team, via www.justgiving.com/team/3DadsWalking1.

For young people dealing with thoughts of suicide or those concerned for a young person who might be, PAPYRUS operate a confidential service called HOPELINE UK which you can call 0800 068 4141, text 07860039967, or email pat@papyrus-uk.org.

Other crisis helplines include the Samaritans 116 123, SANEline 0300 304 7000, National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK 0800 689 5652, and Campaign Against Living Miserably 0800 585858.

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