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Roman Kemp issues plea to government in powerful letter about suicide prevention

Roman Kemp voiced his concerns to the government over their lack of action towards suicide prevention in a heartfelt letter on social media. 

The 30-year-old radio broadcaster posted a screenshot of his note that he penned and attached his signature to on Wednesday to his Instagram account. 

He added a caption containing helpful resources to the upload that read: ‘If you have ever been affected by any of the topics in this letter @joesbuddyline.’ 

The letter to the country’s ruler pleaded with them to take suicide more seriously and appoint ‘someone willing to provide the help’. 

Roman explained that the UK’s mental health issues were ‘at a record high’ and urged that ‘it’s time to treat it like the pandemic that it is’. 

He revealed in his note: ‘At the age of 15, I was diagnosed with depression and experienced suicidal thoughts for the first time. 


‘Proper support needs to be in place for those who need it, and the sad reality is that in 2023, it’s often individuals and charities who are trying to cover the gaps in a system that is becoming increasingly overwhelmed.’

The star continued outlining where he felt the government’s shortcomings were and what needed to be done. 

Roman wrote: ‘The current target leaves children across the UK in a lottery as to whether or not someone is there to help them.

‘I believe that increasing this number could swiftly provide life saving help and support to young people who are struggling.’ 

He signed off his two-page letter with a plea for the people in charge to begin making changes in the sector. 

He urged: ‘I am pleading with the government to commit to a target of 100% of schools having MHSTs. 

‘I am not pressing for a target date, merely asking for that commitment to be made, with proper review and determination.’ 


Fans praised the star in the comments under his post and left words of admiration for his stance on the matter.

One said: ‘Well said. When you ask for help you quickly realise there simply isn’t much at all if any. 

‘A lot have a one-size-fits-all approach which simply doesn’t work especially in the cases of trauma as no experience is the same and no person reacts to it in the same way someone else would.’

Another noted: ‘Well said. Mental health services are seriously lacking in this country for everyone. Well done Roman. More high profile people should get behind you on this.’

Metro.co.uk contacted the NHS for comment.

Need support?

For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email [email protected], visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.

If you’re a young person, or concerned about a young person, you can also contact PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide UK. Their HOPELINK digital support platform is open 24/7, or you can call 0800 068 4141, text 07860039967 or email: [email protected] between the hours of 9am and midnight.

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