North East Families Speak Out About Suicide

A young woman whose father took his own life two years ago, says the North East need to speak out to try help reduce the high rate of suicide in our region.

Nikita Cadman is sharing her story on World Suicide Prevention Day, and told us her dad's death came completely out of the blue.

"I always remember the phone call, everything was a blur, and when I did get told, I said no, not my dad, my dad wouldn't do this. You're not talking about the same person as I know. They then told me yes, we're really sorry but it IS your dad. Something that day made him do what he did and we can't go back and change that I'm afraid."

The 24 year old says one of the biggest challenges is letting people know its OK to tell someone when you're not coping.

Nikita is now dedicated to helping other North East families trying come to terms with the loss of a loved one.

Chester-Le-Street mum Shirley Smith lost her son Daniel in 2005 when he was just 19.

She vowed to help other North East families going through the same thing and set up the If U Care Share Foundation.

"Daniel showed no outward signs of any form of struggle, we were left devastated by what happened. It's something we'll live with for the rest of our lives ... for us it's about educating people at a young age that there is always a way and if you are struggling that you reach out and access timely and appropriate support.

"We need people to be more aware there is something that can be done, but what we need more importantly is appropriate services. We try and adopt a one size fits all, but we're all diffferent, we all respond to things in different ways. Its really difficult because we certainly look at individuals, not trying to box people off for a one size fits all approach."

We already know the North East has the highest rate of suicide in England.

For more information about the foundation you can check out what they do HERE