THE director of the local branch of Samaritans says she is disappointed by the lack of responses from parliamentary candidates to her letter outlining what they and a future government could do to reduce suicide.

The charity wrote to candidates in the Exeter, Mid Devon and Central Devon constituencies, setting out four key policies on how suicide risks could be minimised.

The letter raises four key points including improved mental health information and diagnosis, creating a local suicide prevention plan, tackling alcohol misuse and understanding its link to suicide, and making the Samaritans telephone service free for users.

Only four candidates from the three constituencies replied – two from Central Devon.

Helen Crossfield, director of Exeter, East and Mid Devon Samaritans said: 'We are of course delighted to have received four very positive responses but there were 13 other candidates who did not even reply.

'We're going to be taking forward our four policies, contacting newly-elected MPs and discussing exactly what they can do to help reduce suicide risk.'

More than 6,000 people die by suicide every year in the UK. Nearly 80 per cent are men, and male suicide rates are now at their highest level since 2001.

Samaritans provide support to people who are distressed or in despair, which may lead to thoughts of suicide. People can talk to them at any time, in their own way and in confidence, about whatever is going on in their life.