National Highways has launched a new initiative to help people access mental health support more quickly, with QR codes being installed at locations near motorways and major A-roads across the country.

The 12-month trial has been developed in partnership with mental health charity Chasing the Stigma and will use its Hub of Hope platform to connect people with local support services before they reach crisis point.

The new signs will be placed at busy roadside locations, allowing anyone in need of support to scan a QR code and access information about nearby mental health services. The Hub of Hope platform brings together more than 14,000 organisations across the UK, including NHS, charity and community-based services.

National Highways says the scheme forms part of its ongoing work to improve safety across the strategic road network, where traffic officers and control room staff regularly respond to welfare-related incidents alongside the emergency services.

It is estimated that around 50 suspected suicides occur on England’s motorways and major A-roads each year, accounting for around one in five deaths on the strategic road network.

National Highways’ Suicide Prevention Lead, Nicola Tweedie, said:

“This partnership is an important step forward for National Highways as we continue our work to reduce and prevent harm across our network. We know mental health is complex and not something we can tackle on our own.”

She added:

“Access to help at the right moment can make all the difference. By making it easier for people to find support quickly, we hope to help people get the help they need sooner and, most importantly, before things reach crisis point.”

Chasing the Stigma already works with organisations including Network Rail, local authorities and healthcare providers to improve access to mental health support.

Jake Mills, Chief Executive and founder of the charity, said the partnership would make it easier for people to find help when they need it most and reinforce the message that support is always available.

National Highways says information gathered during the trial will help identify where additional support may be needed and could be used to shape future mental health initiatives across the road network.