South West suicide deaths above the national average
Cheltenham Samaritan's are calling the government to do more to prevent the issue.
This comes as the Office for National Statistics have released their annual figures.
They show deaths by suicide have not decreased across England, and the South West is seeing more deaths than the national average.
Cheltenham's samaritan's branch want to see more done at a government level to prevent the issue.
They are calling for more funding and improvements to mental health services across the country.
Andy Goddard, director at Cheltenham samaritan's, said the government is cutting local funding in March 2024.
He said: "They is a specific pot of funding across the whole of England to support local councils in having suicide prevention projects.
"That funding is due to stop in March 2024.
"We're calling for that to be renewed, to renew it would cost as little as £1.40 per person, as little as a loaf of bread."
Andy explained the necessity of suicide prevention helplines.
He said: "Last year there wasn't a single second where someone wasn't being supported by a samaritan volunteer on the phone.
"That perhaps gives some indication of how much need there is out there."
Samaritans are free to call on 116 123.