REVOLUTIONARY plans to stop people taking their own lives will open the doors for a conversation about support for those at their most vulnerable, it is hoped

In Bolton there are on average 26 suicides per year, and the majority occur among white males, and the average age over the past 12 months was 42 years.

While the number of people who have taken their own lives has fallen in the town, local authorities believe there is more that can be done.

On Monday, World Mental Health Day, Bolton will launch an ambitious plan which sets out the aim of ‘no more suicides’.

The Bolton Suicide Prevention Partnership will see a multi-agency partnership between the council, NHS and voluntary organisations identifying key areas of risk and combining resources to help more people.

Bolton Council public health consultant Michelle Loughin has been leading on the plans. She said: “There is not one single magic answer to this and that’s why, collectively, we want to make an impact. We want to get to the situation when everyone who is vulnerable gets the support they need. Suicide is the tip of the iceberg, it is about stopping it getting to that point. If we don’t want to see any more suicides then it has to been a real commitment and the partnership recognises that.”

As well as recognising the impact suicide has on family, friends and colleagues, part of the work will see an effort to raise awareness around the causes of suicide and helping others help those around them.

Deputy leader of the council, Cllr Linda Thomas added: “It is about changing the culture of how we deal with suicide and the feelings around suicide.

“Talking about it does help. It is a taboo subject, when it happens in a family people don’t talk about it, but we want to raise awareness.

“It is not something to ignore.”