THE suicide bereavement charity ‘Pete’s Dragons’ were awarded £80,000 of government funding on budget day to roll out suicide prevention first aid training across blue light services in the South West.

Pete’s Dragons was set up by chief executive Alison Jordan after her brother, Pete Wicks, took his own life in Launceston in January 2010, aged 24. Alison was delighted to receive the funding and said she hopes the money will enable the charity to play a more vital role in reducing the suicide rate in Devon and Cornwall.

She said: “We are delighted and excited about this funding because it will enable us to meet our suicide prevention goals. Although we are predominately a suicide bereavement support service we feel passionately about playing our part in reducing suicide numbers in our local region because we see the devastating impact of every suicide on a daily basis.

“Blue light personnel are the protectors in our society but they carry out difficult and stressful roles, it is imperative that they have the skills and knowledge to look after each other and of course as a natural carry on, by possessing those skills there will be a natural benefit to the wider general public whom they serve.”

Hugo Swire, MP for East Devon, said: “This is brilliant news as Pete’s Dragons is a vital charity based in Exmouth which does excellent work across the region. Sadly, suicide is the most common cause of death among young men in the UK, while many others are affected too.

“This £80,000 grant will make a big difference in the quest to prevent suicide and improve support within the emergency services. The Libor scheme has been a great success since its creation in 2012, providing nearly £800-million to support armed forces and emergency services charities and other good causes.”