A Leeds MP has called for action on online suicide forums following the death of 23-year-old Joe Nihill .
Joe Nihill, from Whinmoor, died on April 4 after months of struggling with mental health problems and despite going to the hospital for help, he found himself on suicide forums online where people “encouraged” others to commit suicide and even discussed methods.
As part of the campaign that his family have led to try and stop the harm caused by online suicide forums, Richard Burgon MP has presented a motion in Parliament calling on the government to act on the harm caused by the online forums.
The parliamentary motion also calls for the government to significantly expand funding for mental health treatment and support, particularly for young people.
The motion has the support of 25 MPs.
Melanie Saville, Joe's sister-in-law, said: "Joe was such a caring and outgoing person. His death has been devastating for our family.
"This campaign is about making sure other families don't have to go through what we've been through.
"We're pleased that these MPs have supported our campaign. Action needs to be taken to stop the harm caused by these suicide forums."
Richard Burgon, Labour MP for Leeds East, said: "Joe was a well-loved young man who tragically took his own life after accessing online forums containing promotion of suicide.
"This case shows the real harm that can be caused by these online suicide forums.
"I put down this motion in Parliament to support the campaign Joe's family are organising to make sure what happened to Joe doesn't happen to other young people."
The Parliamentary Early Day Motion states: "That this house notes with sadness the death of Joe Nihill, a popular young man and former army cadet from Whinmoor in East Leeds who, following three bereavements, tragically took his life at 23 years old after accessing online forums that encourage suicide."
It adds that there are concerns that these forums "contain content that both promotes suicide and recommends methods of suicide" and "can constitute a real danger to people, particularly people suffering from severe mental health problems."
