More support is needed for those affected by suicide

As Parliamentarians, we are always looking at ways to support our constituents.

- Liz Twist

The people, businesses, schools and organisations that make up our communities deserve the strongest voice, and it is my job to ensure that they are heard.

So it is critical to give local organisations a voice in parliamentary process when they come forward, such as SOBS - Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide.

I've long campaigned for the necessity to have better mental health support and the need to do more to tackle the tragedy of those taking their own lives. Suicide is preventable, not inevitable.

Volunteering with Samaritans on Tyneside, I understand how critical intervention can be, but also how important it is to support those who are affected by losing a loved one this way.

Research by a number of organisations clearly shows that those who have been bereaved by suicide face a heightened risk of suicide. It's essential that we act to support those bereaved by suicide.