Suicide awareness should be part of the school curriculum, according to three fathers whose daughters took their own lives.

The fathers, who formed a group called 3 Dads Walking, have had a meeting with mental health minister Gillian Keegan where they said she was very receptive to their idea.

Mike Palmer, Andy Airey and Tim Owen raised more than £600,000 as they walked 300 miles for suicide prevention charity Papyrus.

Their cause was pushed to the forefront on Tuesday after Ms Keegan revealed she had received a positive COVID test while she was in the meeting with the three fathers, and apologised for continuing the meeting.

Mr Palmer said it was “no problem” because they were already social-distancing and as soon as the minister found out she moved back to the door, which was open, had a face mask on and ended the meeting early, only continuing as she waited for her car.

They said suicide is the “biggest killer of under-35s”, with more than 200 schoolchildren taking their own lives every year but schools and parents are often “scared” of the subject.

Mr Palmer, whose daughter Beth died in March 2020 aged 17, said having talks with the minister was the “first step” to getting suicide on the curriculum and it could take time but they are hopeful.

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He said Beth was part of a close family who told her “we love you” every day but they did not know she was having suicidal thoughts.

“We never saw it coming,” he told Sky News.

“In hindsight, we missed signs I think, she was struggling with her mental health, she didn’t know how to reach out to us.

“Our family was never absent but her behaviour became erratic, the language she was using about having a bad day, being sad about things.

“It happened in the first week of lockdown, which I think had some effect. I still believe it was very impulsive.”

Mr Palmer and the two other fathers strongly believe if children are taught about suicide in school then it could help prevent young deaths.

“We’ve heard parents and teachers say they don’t want to talk about suicide to children because it will encourage them to take their own lives,” he said.

“It’s not the case, we believe that it needs to be age-appropriate but we believe more awareness in the school curriculum from late primary school age and even into college will equip people for their lives and enable them to reach out for help.”

"It was fantastic to sit down with the minister responsible for mental health and suicide prevention.

The fact that she listened to our story, was interested in what we had to say, and was keen to go forward and engage in the conversation is really positive." Andy @3dadswalking pic.twitter.com/gv7NiYL9Or

He added that there is a “big inconsistency” in how suicide is broached in schools as they are “often scared of the subject”.

But, by having it appropriately applied for different age groups in the curriculum, Mr Palmer said it could help children, parents and teachers.

The 3 Dads Walking have not revealed if they will be embarking on any more walks soon but will continue to raise awareness through events and their website.

Children and young people under the age of 35 experiencing thoughts of suicide, or anyone concerned a young person could be thinking of suicide can call the Papyrus Hopeline UK on 0800 068 41 41, text 07860 039 967 or email [email protected]

People of any age can call the Samaritans on 116 123 or email [email protected]

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