Plaques unveiled to encourage mental health chats

Plaques have been installed across Torbay as part of an initiative aimed at encouraging people to talk about mental health issues.

Torbay Council partnered with charity SAFE South West to provide the plaques which are designed to signpost people to support services.

The council said each plaque would direct people to the Torbay Suicide Prevention Partnership, which included links to support organisations and contact details for mental health charities Samaritans and Shout.

Councillor Hayley Tranter said: "Around 20 people die by suicide each year in Torbay, with 75% of these deaths occurring in men... Suicide is preventable, and suicide prevention is everyone's responsibility."

The initiative formed part of the Torbay Suicide Prevention Action Plan with the aim to make it easier for people to access help, project leaders said.

They said it hoped they would encourage people to "reach out in whatever way feels right for them".

"Speaking to someone in person or by phone, sending a text, reading a story of hope, or accessing guidance on how to support others," they added.

The council said it wanted to install plaques on existing benches across the area.

It added that plaques had been sent to Torquay, Paignton and Brixham rugby clubs, along with pubs across the Bay.

Tranter said: "Sharing stories of recovery and hope is a proven protective factor."

Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk.