COASTGUARD volunteers are urging people to seek help if they are feeling suicidal after responding to an increasing number of ‘concern for welfare’ incidents.

The Swanage Coastguard Search and Rescue team have been called to help four people in the last 10 days who have deliberately put themselves at risk of harm.

All four individuals were helped, but it has prompted the team to speak out.

Posting on their website, Swanage Coastguard said: “In recent times the team has seen a sharp rise in the number of ‘concern for welfare’ incidents where despondent individuals are believed to have deliberately put themselves in harm’s way, potentially with a view to taking their own lives.

“We have been called to four such cases in the last 10 days all, thankfully, with a successful outcome.

“Life can often seem hard, problems build up and things don’t make sense, and as a team we never judge - we work with partner agencies to bring the person back into a place of safety where they can talk to someone and get some support.

“There’s lots of help out there and if you can’t talk with friends and family there are folks out there who offer a safe place for you to talk any time you like, in your own way – about whatever’s getting to you. You don’t have to be suicidal.”

Help and support is available from the Samaritans 24-hours a day, seven days a week on 116 123. You can also email jo@samaritans.org.

Papyrus is a dedicated service for young people up to the age of 35 who are worried about how they are feeling, or anyone concerned about a young person. You can call the HOPElineUK number on 0800 068 4141, or text 07786 209697, or email pat@papyrus-uk.org.

NHS Choices is a 24-hour national helpline providing health advice and information. Call them free on 111.

C.A.L.M. is a national helpline for men to talk about any issues they are having. Call 0800 58 58 58.