SIGNAGE — to help those feeling suicidal — is being considered for the Island's tallest cliffs.

Isle of Wight Coroner Caroline Sumeray noted there was no fencing around some of the cliffs and acknowledged it would be 'a massive undertaking' to erect it.

However, she sent a Regulation 28 report suggesting signage is considered to prevent future deaths, and outlining her concerns, to the Isle of Wight National Trust and Simon Bryant, the Isle of Wight Council's director of public health, who heads up the Island's suicide prevention group.

Mrs Sumeray recently heard two inquests that, in both, women had died after going over a cliff edge.

She said: "In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths will occur unless action is taken.

"In the circumstances it is my statutory duty to report to you the matters of concern.

"I heard evidence that there are no fences to protect the public from falling over the edge of the cliff, and moreover there are no signs providing those in some sort of mental distress with the number for the Samaritans.

"While I acknowledge putting fences around the edge of the cliff would be a massive undertaking by the landowners, it may prevent a future death if those who are in extremis are reminded there are people out there who are trained to assist them at that time.

"In my opinion, action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe you and/or your organisation have the power to take such action."

A spokesperson for the IW National Trust said: "We are looking carefully at the coroner’s recommendations, and will be submitting a response. At this stage we cannot comment further."

An Isle of Wight Council spokesperson said: “We have responded to the coroner within the timescale required, and through the suicide prevention group will consider the matters raised.”

The Samaritans do not publicise the location of their signage.

The following organisations offer free and confidential support over the phone:

Samaritans -116 123 24 hour support, every day of the year www.samaritans.org

Papyrus  0800 068 41 41 Monday to Friday 10am to 10pm, weekends 2pm to 10pm, bank holidays 2pm to 10pm or Text 0778 620 9697 – prevention of young suicide www.papyrus-uk.org

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) – 0800 58 58 58, 5pm – midnight. Dedicated to preventing male suicide www.thecalmzone.net

Mind - 0300 123 3393, 9am - 6pm, Mon - Fri (except Bank Holidays). Advises on a range of mental health issues www.mind.org.uk  

Young Minds - 0808 802 5544, 9.30am - 4pm, Mon - Fri. Supports any adult worried about a child’s welfare www.youngminds.org.uk

The Mix - 0808 808 4994, 2pm - 11pm, Mon - Sun. Helpline for people under the age of 25 www.themix.org.uk

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