AN awareness event held in Thurrock to mark Suicide Prevention Week has been hailed as hugely positive.

The event, held at the Morrisosn Store in Grays, was co-ordinated by the Riverside Community Big Local and was attended by a range of organisations - including Thurrock Mind, the Recovery College, Healthwatch Thurrock and Thurrock Council social care teams and Rev Canon Darren Barlow.

Speaking after the event Tarnya Bennett, of the Riverside Community Big Local said; "This was such a positive event to be part of. We have spoken to literally hundreds of people - many who wanted to talk about their own experience of people close to them who have, tragically, taken their own lives or attempted to.

"We wanted to let people know that there is simple, free online training to help learn how to spot when someone is suffering and how to open a conversation with them - a conversation that could make all the difference.

"The online training takes 20 minutes and could save a life."

Chair of the Riverside Community Big Local, Gina Bonsu, said; "I was glad to be part of such a worthwhile event and want to thank Morrisons for allowing us to use their store, and all those from our partner organisations that came together to make the day a success - I really hope that as many people as possible take advantage of the free online training."

The training is available by visiting www.letstalkaboutsuicideessex.co.uk