275% increase in calls North East suicide helpline during lockdown

The County Durham based charity If U Care Share has told ITV Tyne Tees calls to its suicide prevention helpline have gone up by 275% during coronavirus lockdown.

Figures given exclusively to ITV Tyne Tees show in March and April 2020 the charities suicide prevention helpline received 697 calls. For the same period in 2019, 253 calls were taken.

If U Care Share says at the beginning of lockdown they were largely from people worried about their finances but are increasingly from those who are lonely.

Set up in 2005 the charity If U Care Share is based in Chester-le-Street and says it has three main aims, prevention, intervention & supporting those bereaved by suicide.

Adrian Watson is a driving instructor from Houghton-le-Spring and has turned to the charity on several occasions over the past decade.

He lost an ex-girlfriend to suicide and says if it wasn't for the charity he wouldn't be alive today.

During lockdown Adrian has been unable to work and is on universal credit. He also lives alone and lockdown has stopped him seeing his two children and mother.

A number of services and charities are available to those feeling suicidal. If you feel you are in immediate danger and can't keep yourself safe from harm or you feel the impulse to act on your feelings very strongly call the emergency services on 999.

• If U Care Share ( open 9-5pm) 0191 387 5661

• Samaritans are a free crisis support service Call 116 123

• Shout is a 27/7 crisis text service. Text 85258

• Hopeline UK for under 35's at risk of suicide. 0800 0684141