FIREFIGHTERS are being trained in suicide prevention.

The move is among a raft of measures being implemented across the region in a bid to reduce the number of people taking their own lives.

In 2017, the latest year for which figures are available, there were 9.9 deaths per 100,000 people due to suicide in Yorkshire and the Humber.

Across the UK, the number of registered suicides was 5,821.

Figures show that men are three times more likely than women to take their own lives, and the age range where instances are highest is 45 to 49.

West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership is aiming for a ten per cent overall reduction in suicides in this region by next year.

As part of its programme, the partnership has invested £22,000 in a pilot scheme which will equip five West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service personnel to train others in safeTALK, a suicide prevention course.

The course, developed by Living Works in 2006 and now implemented in over 20 countries, outlines the practical TALK steps – Tell, Ask, Listen and Keep-safe – that can be taken to help someone who is feeling suicidal.

It uses videos, group discussions and scenarios.

A further four fire service places have also been allocated to train trainers in ASIST – Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training – which teaches participants to recognise when someone may be having suicidal thoughts and works with them to create a plan that will support their immediate safety.

Other measures involving the fire service include the integration of suicide prevention into existing safety work at high-rise buildings, acknowledging that firefighters are often among the first people on the scene when there are suicide attempts.

Rob Webster, the chief executive officer lead for West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership, said: "Suicide continues to be the biggest killer of young men in the UK.

"What is less known is that most people who die by suicide are not in touch with specialist mental health services.

"It is really important that we are all equipped to deal with people who may be feeling hopeless or helpless – that is why I am delighted that we are working in partnership with the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

"It's a great example of how we are collaborating on issues that will make the biggest difference to our population. As someone who is personally affected by suicide, I understand the impact not just on the individual, but also on friends and family left behind."

West Yorkshire's deputy chief fire officer, Dave Walton, stressed the importance of the joint work.

He added: "Losing someone to suicide is an experience that no one should have to go through.

"Having spoken to people who have thought of taking their own lives, I think it is important that we work with our partners to make our staff aware of the warning signs, to enable them to support both colleagues and community members.

"By working with the partnership we can hopefully raise awareness of this subject and most importantly help to save more lives."