BETTER education and removing stigma attached to getting help with trauma and mental health problems could help prevent suicide in Darlington, a report has said.

Groups at high risk of taking their own lives were identified as people with alcohol or drug abuse issues; those with mental health problems, particularly undiagnosed; war veterans; people affected by redundancy, and elderly people with Alzheimer's disease, said a report on a Department of Health consultation.

Raising awareness of where to get help and increased funding to voluntary organisations, such as support group Samaritans and bereavement charity Cruise, could also help reduce the risks.

Access to information, and additional training of social workers and health professionals to spot people vulnerable to committing suicide or self-harming, were also identified as measures which could help reduce risks.

The Darlington Borough Council report, prepared for the health and partnerships scrunity committee meeting, will be discussed by councillors on Tuesday.

The report included a response to a national consultation on suicide prevention developed at a workshop last month. The consultation period closed on October 11.

The report said: "There is no single approach to suicide prevention. It necessitates a broad co-ordinated system wide approach that requires input from a wide range of partner agencies, organisations and sectors.

"People who have been directly affected by the suicide of a family member or friend, the voluntary, statutory and private sectors, academic researchers and Government departments had the opportunity to contribute to a sustained reduction in suicides."

Liz McAllister, director of Darlington and District Samaritans, said it was crucial suicide prevention was taken seriously.

She said the opportunity to talk about problems could help prevent suicide. Being able to talk to someone who is non-judgemental and doesn't offer advice is very important.

"We never give advice or pass judgement. We speak to many vulnerable groups, especially young men, aged 18 to 30, people who have been affected by mental health problems, and young women who have been sexually abused or raped."

Samaritans can be contacted on 01325-465465 or 0845-7-90-90-90.