3 Dads Walking – who have raised more than £1 million for a suicide prevention charity – are set to meet Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
The meeting has been set up by Penrith and the Border MP Neil Hudson.
Dr Hudson, raised the group’s tireless campaigning during Prime Minister’s Questions today.
Silence fell over the House of Commons as the Penrith MP paid tribute to Andy Airey, Tim Owen and Mike Palmer, who all lost a child to suicide.
They have raised more than £1 million for young-suicide prevention charity Papyrus following the deaths of their daughters Sophie, Emily and Beth.
Andy lives in Eden and has worked with Dr Hudson to improve mental health awareness in young people.
3 Dads Walking launched a petition to make suicide prevention a compulsory part of the school curriculum. It was signed by over 157,000 people.
Dr Hudson has secured a meeting with the Prime Minister and 3 Dads Walking to discuss the move.
The petition will be debated in Parliament on March 13.
Dr Hudson said: “It was an honour to raise such a crucially important issue as young suicide at the very highest level of government and I look forward to further championing mental health issues as I have done since my very first speech in Parliament. I sincerely thank the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak for agreeing to meet with me and the 3 Dads Walking, this is a brilliant step forward in a long-fought campaign.
“I, along with the Prime Minister pay tribute to Andy, Mike and Tim who have campaigned bravely and tirelessly on this for so long. The fortitude they have shown to create a movement of love and positivity from such personal tragedy is humbling and I would like to again thank them for all they are doing to help our young people.
“We now have a brilliant opportunity to try to help save many young lives through compassionate policy making and I look forward to continue working with Andy, Mike and Tim on this important campaign.”
Andy Airey and the 3 Dads Walking said: “We are delighted that Dr Hudson was one of the first MPs to support our call to make suicide prevention a compulsory part of the school curriculum and has chosen to ask this question in PMQs.
“Suicide is the biggest killer of under-35s in the UK we, as a society, need to talk openly about the subject so that we can equip our young people with the knowledge and understanding that will help them deal with challenges they may face.
“Getting suicide prevention onto the school curriculum is a step along the way. We look forward to hearing a response from the Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Education.”
Ged Flynn, chief executive of Papyrus Prevention of Young Suicide, said: “We have to smash the stigma around suicide and equip people with the skills to recognise and respond to suicidal behaviour.
“We have to start difficult but important conversations about suicide, so young people who are struggling with life know they are not alone and that help is available.
“Remarkably, the 3 Dads Walking have already helped to change the landscape by prompting families across the country to have those conversations.
“We must all work together to help get messages to children about keeping themselves suicide-safe. Government can support that. Papyrus is keen to see children having access to suicide prevention in the classroom so that nowhere is off limits for life-saving conversations.”
For practical, confidential suicide prevention help and advice, contact Papyrus HopelineUK on 0800 068 4141, text 07860 039967 or email pat@papyrus-uk.org
In the chamber at PMQs, Dr Hudson asked: “Sadly, suicide is the biggest killer of young people under 35 in the UK. My constituent Andy Airey along with Tim Owen and Mike Palmer are the 3 Dads Walking.
“Andy, Tim and Mike, each tragically lost their precious daughters Sophie, Emily and Beth to suicide, and have campaigned tirelessly though charity walking for suicide awareness and prevention to be included in the school curriculum.
“I have been humbled to support them, including joining them on their UK walk as they came through Penrith, with their petition which is due for Parliamentary Debate on March 13, and with my Early Day Motion, which has support from right across this House.
“Would the Prime Minister join me in paying tribute to the 3 Dads and would he meet with me and the 3 Dads to discuss suicide prevention, and ultimately save young lives in the future?”
Mr Sunak replied: “Well Mr Speaker, of course I pay tribute to Andy, Tim and Mike, especially for channelling their own personal tragedies into such positive action to prevent this happening to other families. That is inspiring and they deserve enormous credit.
“The Government is taking action to improve the provision of mental health services for young people in schools and colleges. But I would be delighted to meet with him and Andy, Mike and Tim to discuss what more we can do.”
