DON'T suffer in silence is the message being sent out from Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership (AWP) on World Suicide Prevention Day.

World Suicide prevention Day takes place on Monday and aims to ensure worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides.

In 2017 there were 5,821 suicides registered in the UK, with males accounting for three-quarters of suicides.

Suicide rates were highest for men aged between 45-49, and for women aged 50-54.

Through its suicide prevention strategy, AWP aims to mirror the national target set by the Department of Health to reduce the number of suicides by 10 per cent by 2020.

On World Suicide Prevention Action Day, AWP is reminding people there is always help and support available, and if you have suicidal thoughts you should talk to someone as this can help.

Director of nursing for AWP, Julie Kerry, said: “Suicide is devastating for all those involved so it is important that we highlight the help and support available to anyone who may be having suicidal thoughts and to anyone worried about a friend or family who may be going through a difficult time.

"Confiding in others is probably the single most important thing to do so we would urge people to talk about their feelings.

"We would also encourage everyone to take part in the Zero Suicide Alliance’s 20 minute online training course to help recognise the warning signs.

“AWP takes suicide prevention very seriously and we work closely with other health agencies and public health specialists and research teams to find ways to reduce the risk of suicide. We have a suicide prevention strategy which sets out our work in this area between now and 2020.”

The Zero Suicide Alliance provides a free 20 minute online training package, which is open to everyone. The course offers guidance on how to spot the warning signs and advice on how to be supportive and how to signpost people to the correct services or support. To access the training visit www.zerosuicidealliance.com/

The AWP website contains details of a number of organisations and support services, some of which are open around the lock. For more information please visit www.awp.nhs.uk and click on the advice and support section.

Alternatively you can contact the Samaritans by telephoning 116 123, or emailing jo@samaritans.org, or Papyrus on 0800 0684141 or pat@paprus-uk.org.