James Place was founded by Clare Milford Haven and Nick Wentworth-Stanley following the tragic death of their son James in December 2006. James was 21 years old and studying at University of Newcastle when he had a routine and minor operation. Afterwards he began to feel anxious about the outcome of the operation, and started to have suicidal thoughts. He went to a walk-in centre and was referred to A&E for help, where he was assessed as a low priority. After waiting in A&E for several hours, he left without being seen. A few days later, just ten days after the operation, James took his own life.

Clare and Nick were determined to prevent other families from losing loved ones and set up James Place to provide support for men in suicidal crisis whose needs are not met by existing services.

The first James Place opened in June 2018 in Liverpool, the first of its kind in the UK. Our second James Place centre opened in London in 2022. Our third centre in Newcastle opened in early 2024. Our fourth centre opening in Birmingham in spring 2026. We offer safe, friendly, non-clinical environments, where suicidal men are cared for and respected.

We will open another new centre in 2027. With five centres open we will be able to treat up to 2,000 men per year.