IT is an issue affecting more people than we probably imagine.

While suicide can affect both sexes, it is the biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK and men accounted for 75 per cent of the 6,122 suicides reported in 2014.

Globally, the statistics are startling too. Worldwide, over 800,000 people die due to suicide every year and there are many more who attempt suicide hence, many millions of people are affected or experience suicide bereavement every year.

Although there is a link between suicide and mental health disorders, in particular depression and alcohol use disorders, many suicides happen impulsively in moments of crisis with a breakdown in the ability to deal with life stresses, such as financial problems, relationship break-down or chronic pain and illness.

The stigma surrounding mental health and suicide can often leave people feeling as though they have nowhere else to turn - but there is plenty of help out there, they just need to know where to look.

On Saturday, organisations around the world supporting people affected by suicide will unite to raise awareness about the issue.

Themed around Connect, Communicate, Care this year's World Suicide Prevention Day will promote and profile the valuable work those organisations do in helping to save lives.

Already recognised nationally for its work in Crisis Care, Bradford is currently working as part of a West Yorkshire wide plan to reduce suicide and bring about improvements.

The Crisis Care Concordat unites partners from across the district, including the NHS, local authority, police, Yorkshire Ambulance Service as well as voluntary and community sector who are working together to make improvements.

This has led to the development of initiatives such as Bradford District Care Trust's First Response Service, offering 24 hour support over seven days a week to people of all ages living in Bradford, Airedale, Wharfedale or Craven, experiencing mental health crisis, as well as social workers and mental health liaison staff in A&E, Sanctuary, a calm and safe place operated by Bradford based MIND for adults experiencing acute mental distress, and Haven services.

Launched at the beginning of August this year under the umbrella of Shipley's Cellar Trust project, Haven is a safe and supportive service based in the local community for adults who are feeling in mental distress or crisis.

Within Haven is a team including people who have had experiences of mental health problems and can support as well as help to action plan what people need to safe and well.

Kim Shutler-Jones, chief executive of The Cellar Trust, says it's about promoting the services, looking at improvements and ensuring they are doing everything they can to help people in crisis situations.

Demand for Haven is already evident, despite its launch only weeks ago. "We are already finding that we are getting a lot busier," says Kim.

Some who have already benefited from the experience have shared their thoughts.

"I dread to think where I might have gone if I hadn't been able to come to Haven. It's perfect."

Another said: "If I hadn't come to Haven I would have become increasingly more anxious til I cut myself more. Taking time out with people helped."

And another added: "If I hadn't come to Haven I would be more likely to harm myself/attempt suicide. Isolated myself more."

Kim says research has shown people want a good quality joined-up service and that is what they are eager to deliver through initiatives such as Haven and the other partners they are working with.

"It is creating a place where people can get support and talk to somebody and come up with a plan together to get the right support they need at the right time," says Kim.

"We know if people don't get that, that is when the risk of suicide increases."

As part of the campaign people are being encouraged to check on someone they may be concerned about.

Starting a conversation, asking how they are and chatting to them in a way that isn't judgmental, shows compassion and empathy will show them that someone cares and that can make all the difference to someone who is feeling in crisis.

For more information about Haven call 01274 221181 or visit thecellartrust.org/client-services/haven.

To find out more about MIND visit mindinbradford.org.uk or call 01274 221181.

Guide-Line, Mind in Bradford's helpline which is open from noon until 9pm 365 days of the year, can be accessed on 01274 594594.

For more information about First Response visit bdct.nhs.uk/firstresponse