New Roadside Signs Could Point Cornwall Drivers to Mental Health Help

Cornwall’s two main routes, the A30 and the A38, both sit within National Highways’ network. So does a new trial that could change what people see at the roadside.

National Highways has partnered with the mental health charity Chasing the Stigma on a 12-month trial built around early intervention. The aim is to help people find support before they reach crisis point.

What the trial involves

New signs carrying QR codes will go up in busy locations near motorways and major A-roads. Scanning a code links people to the Hub of Hope, a platform run by Chasing the Stigma that pulls together trusted, local mental health services. The point is to make help quick and easy to reach for anyone who may be struggling.

National Highways is the government-owned company that maintains and operates England’s motorways and major A-roads. In Cornwall, that network includes the A30 and the A38. Its traffic officers and control room teams already respond to welfare-related calls and work closely with emergency services.

The scale of the problem

Around 50 suspected suicides are estimated to happen on motorways and major A-roads each year. That figure accounts for roughly 20% of all deaths on the network.

What National Highways and the charity say

Nicola Tweedie, National Highways’ Suicide Prevention Lead, 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. We don’t want anyone to come to harm on our roads, which is why working with Chasing the Stigma is so important. It allows us to bring together the right expertise to better support people who may be struggling.

“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 major organisations including Network Rail, local authorities, and community settings such as shopping centres, GP surgeries and libraries. Its Hub of Hope platform brings together more than 14,000 mental health support services across the UK, matching people to help based on their needs and location.

Jake Mills, CEO and founder of Chasing the Stigma, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be partnering with National Highways. By working together to provide signposting to the Hub of Hope through signage across the road network, we’re making it easier for people to find help, wherever they are. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to improving access to mental health support and encouraging people to reach out before they reach crisis point. Together, we want everyone to know that support is available, and that nobody has to face their mental health challenges alone.”

What happens next

Insights from the trial will be shared with partners to build a clearer picture of local need. National Highways says that will help shape more targeted mental health support in future.

Where to find help

The Hub of Hope lets anyone search for mental health support near them. If you are struggling or worried about someone else, the Samaritans are available free, day or night, on 116 123.