Twenty-four suicide attempts in borough

The police statistics were obtained by the Times through a Freedom of Information request.

Suicide has been highlighted by Sunnylands and Woodburn Community Development Group.

Chairperson Michael Clarke said: “Suicide is a big issue for us in the town. Some people have come forward wanting to speak to members of the group about this because they know we have done mental health work.

“We are trying to reach out to the community and work along with them.”

Recently, Sunnylands and Woodburn Community Development Group received an award for this work.

The group scooped a Community Health and Well-being Champion accolade at a ceremony hosted at Dunsilly Hotel, Antrim by South Antrim Community Network.

In the New Year, the group will be opening a community garden beside Sunnylands Community Centre in the New Year to continue its mental health well-being work.

Recently, Sunnylands and Woodburn Community Development Group received a £10,000 grant from Big Lottery funding.

This award will be used to deliver mental health and first aid training and suicide intervention skills training.

East Antrim MLA Alastair Ross has welcomed Big Lottery funding for this project and others locally.

He noted the group’s work to deliver mental health and first aid training and suicide intervention skills training.

Mr Ross added: “All of these projects will make a positive impact and this investment in the constituency is very welcome.”

Help available from charities such as MindWise, which has centres in Ballyclare and Antrim, and the Samaritans charity .

MindWise can be reached on 02893341714

The Samaritans can be contacted on 02890664422.”