HEALTH experts in Swindon have outlined the best course of action to help vulnerable people who may be at risk of suicide.

It follows news this week that MPs declared the number of suicides in England was unacceptably high. The number of deaths by suicide in 2015 was 4,820 in England – part of a UK-wide figure of 6,188.

Frances Mayes, senior public health manager at Swindon Borough Council, said: “Christmas can be a lonely time of year and although for many it brings great joy, it can be very stressful and isolating for anyone who feels suicidal.

“The best thing that anyone can do if they feel this way is to seek help from someone they trust, such as a family member or friend. There is also plenty of help available from GPs, the LIFT Psychology team, or minsters and faith leaders.

“If you think that you are about to harm yourself you can go to A&E.”

The 2014 suicide rate in England – 10.3 deaths per 100,000 – was the highest seen since 2004, and the 2015 rate was only marginally lower at 10.1.

But suicide rates in the South West have reached a seven-year low, according to figures supplied by the Office for National Statistics.

In 2015 there were 494 incidents of suicide in the region, down from 536 in 2014 and 560 in 2013.

The last time the number of South West suicides dropped below the 450 mark was in 2008 when there were 442.

Swindon SUNS, located in Victoria Road, is a mental health charity that has been providing support to vulnerable people since 1998.

Ann Mooney, chairman of the charity, claimed that, nationally, more emphasis needs to be placed on mental health problems.

She said: “If people are physically ill, they will usually be seen by a medical professional as soon as possible. But when it comes to mental health there isn’t that same urgency. We want to help people as much as we possibly can but we are finding the resources to treat mental health problems aren’t as easily accessible.”

Offering further advice, Frances Mayes added: “There are some excellent national websites and listening lines available.

“These include The Samaritans (Tel: 116 123), CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) which is a helpline for men (Tel: 0800 585858) and PAPYRUS which is a helpline for young people and can be reached by calling 0800 0684141.

“Anyone who has been affected by a death from suicide can contact Swindon Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS) on 07543 242 332.”

North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson has long championed mental health services in the town.

Speaking earlier this year, Mr Tomlinson said: “I am extremely proud that here in Swindon we have a number of fantastic organisations that do brilliant work to support people with mental health conditions.”

Dr Sarah Wollaston, MP for Totnes and chair of the Health Select Committee, said: “Suicide is preventable and much more can and should be done to support those at risk.”

As a result, the Government has indicated that a refresh of the suicide prevention strategy will be published in January 2017.