Halton has again got the lowest suicide rate in Merseyside and Cheshire last year, according to new Government figures with just 12 in the last two years.

This compared favourable to neighbouring authorities which saw 85 in Cheshire East, 59 in Sefton, 44 in Warringotn. 44 in St Helens and 22 in Knowsley.

Halton Borough Council’s Executive Board Member for Health and Wellbeing, Cllr Mare Wright, said: “We undertake an audit each year of the suicides that occur in our Borough.

“We investigate the details of each to identify opportunity to learn from incidents, identify any potential trends and to prevent similar incidents in the future.

“These audits are not publishable because of small numbers and details which may potentially identify individual cases. We are undertaking a lot of work locally and across the Cheshire and Merseyside area.

“Champs (the Cheshire and Merseyside public health collaborative) has been identified as a good practice for the work on suicide prevention.

“We have a Suicide prevention partnership and an action plan, based on national policy aimed at reducing the numbers of suicides and taking a ‘No More suicide’ approach. “

If you feel you are in mental health crisis, you can contact Halton Mental Health Assessment Team on 0151 422 6804.

If you are feeling suicidal, don’t suffer in silence – seek immediate help:

• Contact The Samaritans on freephone 116 123 – They are open 24 hours and are there to listen
• Contact your GP for an emergency appointment
• Call NHS 111

Halton Borough Council launched Wellbeing Wednesdays this autumn, at Widnes and Halton Lea Library. It takes place on Wednesdays 2pm to 4pm.

The aim of the event is to provide an antidote to busy lifestyles and encourage people to take some time out for themselves.

Visit your local library to enjoy some colouring in for grown-ups, a relaxing game of scrabble or pick up a book to unwind with.
5Boroughs NHS Trust made a short video for World Suicide Prevention Day with former rugby league player Ian Knott and SOBS (Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide) charity.