THE Samaritans in York have urged people to speak to their service after a rise in suicides in the region.

Figures released this week by the Office for National Statistics show 502 people committed suicide in Yorkshire and the Humber in 2013, including 407 men and 95 women - a rise of four per cent.

These latest figures meant the male suicide rate was the highest it had been since 1998, although it remained similar to national levels.

Lynette Banks, director of the York Samaritans, said: "These statistics are very worrying and we would urge anyone who is feeling down, distressed and or suicidal to contact us."

In Yorkshire, the male suicide rate in 2013 was 19.1 per 100,000, compared with 4.3 per 100,000 for women. Nationally, the rate was 19 per 100,000 for men, and 5.1 per 100,000 for women.

Joe Ferns, Samaritans executive director of policy, research and development, said: "The news that suicide rates increased in 2013 is sadly not surprising to us given the context of a challenging economic environment and the social impact that brings.

"We need to see a greater focus at local and regional levels on the co-ordination and prioritisation of suicide prevention activity especially in areas with high socio-economic deprivation."

Mr Ferns said the increase was a concern and "cannot be ignored", as on a national scale was at its highest level for more than 30 years, with 25.1 per 100,000 men aged between 45 and 59.

Professor Louis Appleby, of the National Suicide Prevention Advisory Group in England, said: "Men are more at risk of suicide because they are more likely to drink heavily, use self-harm methods that are more often fatal and are reluctant to seek help.

"Fifteen years ago the rates among men under 35 were brought down sharply by tackling these problems and we need to use this success to address the problems of the new highest risk group, middle aged men. We need to make it easier for men to find help without shame or stigma."

*Anyone with concerns about suicide, or who needs support can contact The Samaritans on 08457 909090, or Papyrus on 0800 0684141.