The Meaning of Men S3, Ep 18: The Meaning of Suicide Prevention | What you need to know about male crisis support (ft James' Place)
What happens when men in suicidal crisis finally get the right kind of help, fast? Across the UK, thousands of men are reaching breaking point, yet most don’t know where to turn.
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak with Andrew Noon, Head of Centre at James' Place, a pioneering charity delivering life-saving therapy to men in suicidal crisis. Andrew reveals why suicide remains the leading cause of death for men under 50, why so many men feel trapped by life events rather than mental illness, and how rapid-access support can stop a crisis becoming fatal.
In this episode you will learn:
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Why suicide in men is at the highest rate since 1999, and why young men are increasingly at risk
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How life events like relationship breakdown, financial stress, bereavement and work pressure often trigger suicidal crisis
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How James’s Place offers free, immediate, professional therapy within days (sometimes hours)
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The early signs of suicidal crisis and how to spot them through behaviour, mood, withdrawal, or subtle “breadcrumbs”
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How friends, partners, colleagues and family can support a man in crisis without causing shutdown
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Why men do talk - when we create the right context for them to open up
This episode is essential listening for anyone who cares about men’s mental health, suicide prevention, emotional wellbeing, and early intervention. It highlights how the right support, offered quickly, compassionately, and without judgement, can save lives.
Timestamps:
00:00: The Mission of James's Place 03:04: James's Legacy and the Impact of Suicide 05:57: Understanding the Crisis: Trends in Male Suicide 09:06: The Pathway to Support: How Men Access Help 11:56: The Unique Intervention: Lay Your Cards on the Table 17:09: Common Struggles: What Men Face in Crisis 23:18: Recognising Signs: How to Support Men in Crisis 29:05: Lessons Learned: Insights from Working with Men 38:05: A Message of Hope: Recovery is Possible