A GROUP that exists to reduce loneliness is taking action after a string of suicide attempts by young people in recent months.

The team at RammyMen, based in Ramsbottom says "enough is enough" and has rallied round to stage a suicide reduction event this weekend.

Founder Rob Moss said: "When we heard about yet another youngster attempting to take their own life in January, we knew we couldn't wait any longer to do something about it."

He added that the area has experienced a "huge surge" in the suicide rate and in suicide attempts, prompting the launch of the SOS: Sick of Suicide conference. Rob cited that the suicide rate in Bury has doubled over the last 12 months.

"If we can stop just one person from taking their own life, or help one person deal with the problems that friends or family are facing then we have succeeded in our aim", he said.

The 46-year-old set up Rammy Men just under four years ago in a bid to reduce loneliness and isolation after a second of his friends took his own life.

"It was heartbreaking to all of us when Don took his own life", Rob said, "He was known to so many around the area and was a lovely fella who'd ended up troubled and lonely due to the kind of life circumstances that many of us face.

"I knew that I had to do something to try and stop this happening again, across our whole community, but when I looked at the figures I discovered that men are three to four times more likely to take their own lives, and that East Lancashire is among the worst areas in the country. That's when we decided to create RammyMen.org, a group to try and deal with issues disproportionately affecting our brothers, dads and sons."

The group has contacted local and national charities, calling upon representatives to attend the conference in Ramsbottom to try and address the problem of suicide. The conference has been crowdfunded by supporters, who helped raise £1,240 for the event.

Businesses have also displayed posters and postcards advertising the conference.

Rob said: "We felt that something needed to be done, and done now.

"We concentrated on getting real organisations and real people along to the event. We didn't want a load of talking. We want people who can give us practical advice — what to look for in troubled loved ones, and what to do if you suspect they need help."

A series of seminars will be delivered, with talks due to be given by individuals from Bury Samaritans as well as by Laurence Dixon, a hostage negotiator, who has saved more than 40 people vulnerable people at risk of suicide.

Zero Suicide Alliance UK will also be in attendance to talk about their online course, while Papyrus, who specialise in children and teenagers' mental health, will be on hand to speak with visitors.

The Suicide Awareness and Reduction Conference will take place at Ramsbottom Civic Hall on Saturday. The free event, between 10am-3pm, is open to anyone.