This week, September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day.

It’s a subject I touch upon every few months in this column, with good reason. Suicide is largely preventable, and as far as I am concerned, one suicide is one too many.

The ripple effect throughout our communities following a death by suicide can be far reaching, and affect so many people, including family, friends and colleagues of the person concerned.

There are approximately three times as many deaths by suicide in the UK as there are fatal road traffic accidents.

When we compare the amount of awareness around road safety, and the resources applied, on both a local and national level, we can perhaps realise that more can be done to help bring the suicide figures down.

Here are a few facts for you, for every female death by suicide, there are three male deaths. The age group with the highest death by suicide rate is 45-54.

The biggest cause of death for men under 50 in the UK is suicide. Statistically you are more likely to walk past a person in the street who is having thoughts of suicide, than someone having a heart attack.

There are lots of myths around suicide, and many people are reluctant to talk about such a sensitive subject.

However, all too often when someone has died by suicide, we hear things such as ‘if only they’d said something’ or ‘they gave no indication that they were suicidal’.

Some people are frightened of asking if a person is having thoughts of suicide, in case it could actually give them the idea. All the evidence suggests that is not the case.

I have chosen to mention some services which you may find useful if you are struggling with your feelings.

Very often, when someone is feeling completely overwhelmed, taking that first step to reach out for help can be the most difficult thing to do. Please be assured there is lots of help available out there.

Andy’s Man Club is a national organisation where men can meet up and support each other, no matter what life struggles they are facing.

There are various weekly meet-ups throughout Cheshire every Monday, 7pm to 9pm (excluding bank holidays). All are welcome and you can find out more at www.andysmanclub.co.uk

The national charity Campaign Against Living Miserably has a helpline which is open each evening from 5pm to midnight on 0800 585858. You can also access live chat from their website https://www.thecalmzone.net/suicide-prevention-helpline

Papyrus, the charity aimed at reducing suicides in young people can be reached on 0800 068 4141

I have long upheld the need for mental health to be given parity with physical health, so it is great to see that you can now call NHS 111 if you are in any type of mental health crisis. As always, please remember the Samaritans are available 24 hours on 116 123.

Martin Furber is a therapist qualified in various modalities and an Instructor Member of Mental Health First Aid England wellbeing@martinfurber.com.