5:56PM, Wed Sep 12, 2012

Suicide Prevention: PC Rathband's Twin Brother On Why More Must Be Done

By Jenny Wotherspoon Location: Australia

VIDEO: David Rathband's twin brother Darren via Skype from Australia

PC David Rathband's twin brother Darren has given his backing to a new Government-led campaign to help prevent suicide.

Darren Rathband, who is still coming to terms with his brother's death in February 2012, says the warning signs were there and expressed his frustration that they were not picked up.

The strategy is the first to tackle the issue of suicide on a national level for more than a decade and will see around 50 charities joining forces to improve levels of support.

Mr Rathband said: "It can only be a good thing. David felt he was a burden asking for help, and that help wasn't readily available and it wasn't offered.

"It was some months after he was shot that the counselling was put in front of him.

"People need counselling and that counselling should be readily available, it should be free and in conjunction with a number of agencies.

"It's not hard to work out when people need help. The signals are there."

PC David Rathband was found dead at his home in Blyth, Northumberland. Her had been shot and blinded by gunman Raoul Moat as he sat unarmed in his police car in Newcastle in July 2010.

Supported by a grant from the Department of Health, the new suicide prevention strategy will involve health professionals and charities including the Samaritans as well as working with the media, parents and bereaved families.

In 2010, 172 men and 63 women in the North East committed suicide, among the highest in England and Wales per head of population.

For reaction from Tyneside Samaritans to the new strategy launch click here.