YOUNG men between the ages of 16 and 24 make up five per cent of Wiltshire’s population, but are responsible for a quarter of all calls received by the county’s 999 call handlers.

This shocking statistic was announced on Monday night’s episode of C4’s 999: What’s Your Emergency? in which TV cameras followed Wiltshire Police as they sought to tackle the inevitable consequences which occur when testosterone-filled young men are left without a purpose in life.

This week’s episode attempted to get into the minds of those who resort to criminal activity, or worse, when they lose a sense of who they are or where they are going.

In the words of the show’s narrator: “Wiltshire’s 999 call handlers have come to accept the fact that young men cause a disproportionate amount of problems in their county. And the age of these men seems to be getting younger and younger.”

Tragically, suicide was a prominent feature, as more and more people, drowning in despondency, seek a way out.

According to a report entitled Swindon Suicide Audit, Strategy and Recommendations 2016–2018, published last summer on behalf of the Suicide Prevention Group, nearly three quarters of deaths by suicide in Swindon occur in men.

The report concluded that 26 per cent of those who died by suicide had ingested alcohol at the time of their death and 11 per cent of those who died by suicide in Swindon had a record of self-harm within the last 12 months of their lives.

The force receives 20 calls each week from men who feel they have reached the end of the road.

“I’m struggling. I’ve had enough now,” said one desperate caller.

“I’ve had a lot of stress over the last few weeks and I’m not coping,” said another, before breaking down in tears.

Wiltshire Police call handler Lucas Wysocki told viewers: “It’s quite sad because I know that if ever I had an issue, my friends and family would be rallying around and supporting me. But there are some people who are on their own and not getting support from anyone.”

But the most harrowing tale came from call handler Rachel Woodbridge who spoke of “the saddest call, the one that will always stick with me”.

She said: “I took a call from a guy who was telling me he was about to hang himself because he had lost his job. He told us where he was, so he obviously wanted us to find him. I remember him saying ‘bye’ and then that was it.”

Rachel said she could hear the creak of the rope as the man dangled from the neck. It will stay with her for the rest of her life.

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, is a staunch champion of those affected by mental health problems and has suggested that more needs to be done to address these issues.

She said: “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.”

Those affected by suicide can contact Swindon SUNS on 01793 436174.