The posters offer helpline numbers

Rates have begun to fall in the town thanks to measures aimed at tackling its record as a suicide hotspot.

Now Darlington Primary Care Trust is reinforcing its efforts by launching a new campaign directed at the most vulnerable groups.

Posters will be appearing all over town pointing people in the direction of helpline numbers, support and advice.

Until recently, Darlington had one of the worst suicide records in the country with rates well above the national average.

Mental health

From 2001 to 2003, the rate was 14 suicides per 100,000 people, and in some parts of town as high as 45 per 100,000.

Following the implementation of a suicide strategy, this has now fallen to 10.2 per 100,000, much closer to the current national figure of 9.5.

The strategy included increasing crisis intervention services, working closely with the housing department, the police, and the town's drug and alcohol addiction service, and issuing prescribed drugs, such as anti-depressants and painkillers, which cannot be used to overdose.

Vicky Waterson, Darlington PCT's mental health improvement specialist, said: "Young men are still the most at risk group and suicide remains the single largest cause of death in men under the age of 35.

"The campaign is designed to let everyone know there is support out there for them."