A SUICIDE prevention service in Thurrock has launched a recruitment drive for the year for new volunteer befrienders.

Reach Out for Mental Health is a not for profit community interest company dedicated to reducing the number of attempted and completed suicides in Essex by providing a listening service for those who are feeling suicidal or overwhelmed with life in general. They can support people over the phone, via text, email or by making an appointment to speak to one of their fully trained volunteers at one of the hubs in Thurrock.

Director Kirsty Eaton says: "We ask for a commitment of a couple of hours a fortnight- sometimes more if we receive a high number of referrals.

"Nobody works on their own and full training is provided as well as monthly group supervision.