With numbers of deaths by suicide in the south west remaining higher than the national average, Cheltenham Samaritans director has called on the government to take action.
The Office of National Statistics (ONS) has released its annual figures on deaths by suicide. They show that deaths by suicide have not decreased across England, and the South West is seeing more deaths than the national average.
Cheltenham's Samaritans branch wants to see more done at a government level to address the issue. They are calling for more funding and improvements to mental health services across the country.
Andy Goddard, director at Cheltenham Samaritans, talking to Rachael White on Greatest Hits Radio Gloucestershire said that the government is cutting local funding in March 2024. He said: "There is a specific pot of funding across the whole of England to support local councils in having suicide-prevention projects. That funding is due to stop in March 2024. We're calling for that to be renewed; to renew it would cost as little as £1.40 per person, as little as a loaf of bread."
Andy explained the importance of the service provided by Samaritans. He said: "Last year there wasn't a single second where someone wasn't being supported by a Samaritans volunteer on the phone. That perhaps gives some indication of how much need there is out there."
Samaritans are free to call at any time on 116 123.