Isle of Man suicide prevention helpline set up by charity

Suicide-related deaths increased on the island between 2019 and 2022

A suicide prevention helpline has been set up on the Isle of Man to be a "beacon of hope" to those in crisis, organisers have said.

Charity Isle Stand Up To Suicide is behind the service which is run daily by volunteers between 14:00 and 22:00.

Coordinator Ali Vondy said the helpline was set up in response to a "very high" Manx suicide rate and to "remove the stigma" of talking about the issue.

More than 150 deaths were ruled suicide on the island between 2006 and 2021.

Isle of Man TT rider Conor Cummins, who is the charity's patron, said the helpline was needed in a small community where "everyone can feel" the impact of suicide.

"It's a serious issue, and we need to lessen the stigma of talking about it, which can be difficult," he said.

TT rider Conor Cummins said he wanted to use his profile to help

A Manx government suicide prevention strategy released earlier this year showed a "significant increase" in suicide, and suspected suicide deaths in 2019, 2020 and 2022.

Ms Vondy said the recent figures were "far higher" than other Crown Dependencies like Jersey and Guernsey, and above those for England and Wales.

"If you think that every one suicide affects at least 150 people, then that's a lot in our small community," she added.

Callers to the helpline will be offered phone counselling or a "brief intervention session" until the are stable and can be signposted to other services, the charity said.

Ali Vondy from the charity said many are scared to talk about suicide

The volunteer call-handlers at the service, which was launched for the first time on Saturday, have been given professional training.

An Isle Stand Up To Suicide spokesman said talks were ongoing with Manx Care over linking the helpline with statutory mental health services.

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