In 2017, 5,821 people in the UK took their own lives (Samaritans). Talk to Us is the Samaritans’ annual awareness raising campaign in local communities. The campaign encourages us to become better listeners by sharing expert tips and facts on suicide on their website (www.samaritans.org).

In my practice over the years, I have encountered people who felt suicidal, these people do not actually want to die – they perhaps just don’t want to actually live the life they have and can see no other way out. Feeling actively suicidal is temporary and getting the right kind of support at that time is vital for recovery.

Men are three times as likely to commit suicide but we there has been a decrease in male suicide as it is at its lowest in over 30 years.

If need to talk or are worried about someone else you can call 116 123 free from any phone, if you are calling from an organisation or care home and there are restrictions on some numbers use 08457 90 90 90.