A COMMUNITY champion has spoken out as part of a global initiative to prevent suicide.

Now in its 17th year, World Suicide Prevention Day, organised by International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) will take place today across the globe.

The theme for this years event is ‘Working Together’ and comes at a crucial time for the Furness area.

In the first few months of this year, five young Furness men were believed to have taken their own lives.

This prompted The Mail to start its Time to Talk campaign in a bid to encourage people to speak out about their difficulties and break down the stigma around mental health.

Following calls from The Mail and work from a number of community groups, health and charity bosses have launched Suicide Safer Barrow. The move will see suicide prevention workshops and firdt aid rolled out at major employers across the town.

In response to the growing concern, a local mental health campaigner has spoken out as part of World Suicide Prevention Day.

Cllr Michael Cassells, community worker at Mind in Furness, said: “We can all play a part in allowing people the freedom to speak up if they are struggling.

“Working together’ key message for World Suicide Prevention Day.

“Suicide prevention starts long before people reach crisis point. Our local community is fantastic at supporting local charities and good causes.

“That same generous spirit is needed when people so people can feel listened to at times of stress.”

IASP President Prof Murad Khan said: “The purpose of the World Suicide Prevention Day is to raise awareness and spread the message that suicide is preventable.

“It is about bringing together communities, researchers, politicians, those in government, individuals with lived experience and those bereaved from suicide to demonstrate a commitment to reduce it, to raise awareness and to share information about ways to effectively take actions as individuals and community members.

“Working together to prevent suicide is the theme for this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day.

The theme was chosen to place an emphasis on the most necessary ingredients for effective global suicide prevention, which is teamwork.

“We all have a role to play and collectively we can make a difference.”

If you are facing difficulties contact the Samaritans free helpline 24hours a day 365 days a year on 116 123 or Mind in Furness on 01229 827094.