Charity James’ Place is open this Christmas and urging men facing crisis to seek help

James’ Place is a suicide prevention charity with a base in Liverpool

The decorations are going up and the twinkling lights turned on, and for most people the excitement of the festive season is beginning to mount.

But for those who don’t have families to share presents or sit around the dinner table with, Christmas can be one of the loneliest and most difficult times of the year, when life may not even seem worth living – and that’s where James’ Place comes in.

The Liverpool charity is opening its doors throughout the holidays, and it’s urging men in the city who are struggling to reach out for help.

“Nobody should face a suicidal crisis alone,” says Ellen O’Donoghue, chief executive of James’ Place in Liverpool. “James’ Place is here to support men when they need it most and is open as normal over Christmas and New Year*.

“We would urge any men in suicidal crisis in Merseyside to reach out to us for help.”

James’ Place opened in Liverpool in June 2018 to save the lives of men in suicidal crisis, aiming to make finding help as easy as possible and offering emotional and practical support.

The charity was set up by Clare Milford Haven and Nick Wentworth-Stanley after their 21-year-old son, James, died by suicide 10 days after a minor operation. James had no history of mental illness or depression and had sought urgent help for anxiety and suicidal thoughts … but didn’t find it.

James’ Place provides men who are experiencing a suicidal crisis a brief, intensive, therapeutic intervention in a safe environment. 

Luke was referred to James’ Place after becoming increasingly depressed and reclusive following a bereavement.

He says: “I was at a point of crisis in life which I was increasingly feeling I couldn’t get out of. I felt like every door around me was closing.

“Finding James’ Place at the point I did was fundamental to my survival. James’ Place swung open a door and gave me the help I needed.

“The warmth and safety of the environment filled me with hope and reassurance from the first second. I had many misconceptions about what this type of help entailed, but quickly found myself around people who were specially trained and empathetic to my plight.

“To this day I find it remarkable this service remains free and able to operate at the speed it does to help people like me. I couldn’t recommend James’ Place enough to anyone who may be suffering.”

If you are having suicidal thoughts which are having an impact on your daily life, or if you are starting to feel that you are at risk of acting on your thoughts, you can seek support from James’ Place by contacting them directly from Monday to Friday, 9.30am-5.30pm, or call 0151 303 5757.

 Or, to find out more visit the website here.

* except weekends and bank holidays 

If you or someone you know is suicidal you can get 24-hour support from the Samaritans on 116 123, text SHOUT to 85258, or seek help from your local A&E department.