A suicide prevention initiative has started in Ryde.

Suicide prevention signs have been installed at the eastern entrance of St John's Wood.

The signs were put up by the Men Only IOW Suicide Prevention Initiative and were installed on International Men's Day earlier this month.

The signs aim to promote mental health awareness and offer immediate help to people in crisis.

They have been designed with input from mental health experts and community groups.

Karl Hart, managing director of Men Only IOW, said: "Installing these signs was a tangible step in our ongoing mission to support mental health and prevent suicide across the Isle of Wight.

"We hoped they would offer a lifeline to anyone feeling overwhelmed, reminding them that there was always someone ready to listen and help."

The signs also aim to connect people to local and national resources, such as The Samaritans and other helplines.

The signs also aim to remind people that help is available and that they do not have to face their struggles alone.

The following organisations offer free and confidential support over the phone

Where can you seek help?

  • Samaritans -116 123 24 hour support, every day of the year www.samaritans.org
  • Men Only IW at www.menonlyiow.co.uk
  • Papyrus  0800 068 41 41. 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. Advises on a range of mental health issues www.mind.org.uk  
  • Young Minds - 0808 802 5544. Supports any adult worried about a child’s welfare www.youngminds.org.uk
  • The Mix - 0808 808 4994. Helpline for people under the age of 25 www.themix.org.uk
  • The Isle of Wight Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment Team - 01983 522214
  • Speak to someone within 24 hours on the Isle of Wight. Call Isorropia on 01983 217791 or email hello@isorropia.uk. Open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.