Journalists from the county gathered to sign a new charter showing their commitment to report the subject of suicide with sensitivity.

Hertfordshire’s Suicide Prevention Network organised the event to mark World Suicide Prevention Day today, at police headquarters in Welwyn Garden City.

The vision of the written order signed by journalists in the area is to help prevent suicide in Hertfordshire by reporting the matter with an awareness of its impact on readers.

Research by the Samaritans charity suggests the way suicide is reported in the media could have a profound influence on people in distress who may be considering taking their own life.

In response to the findings, the Samaritans developed guidance on which the Hertfordshire charter is based.

Representatives from various titles attended the event, including the Bishop’s Stortford Independent, Bob FM, Borehamwood Times, Comet, Global’s Newsroom East, Hemel Gazette, Herts

Advertiser, Royston Crow, St Albans Review, Watford Observer and Welwyn Hatfield Times.

They were given to a presentation from Spot the Signs and Save a Life – a campaign helping to remove the stigma of talking openly about suicide.

Tom Cahill, chief executive for Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Suicide is the biggest cause of death for men under 35 and we know Hertfordshire is no exception in this.

“Incidents in Hertfordshire are low compared to regional and national levels, but each and every death is a tragedy for the individuals and their families. It is vital that we work together to help vulnerable people and prevent suicide.

“The response to the reporting charter has been really positive. We welcome this firm commitment from so many local journalists to report stories relating to possible suicides in the most responsible and sensitive way.”

Robert Stringer’s son Hector took his own life in 2011. He has since founded Hector’s House, a suicide prevention charity.

Mr Stringer said: “Those left behind - family members, friends, colleagues, even a wider circle of people who might identify with the individual are at great risk from insensitive reporting.

“They are highly vulnerable themselves and so reporting of the suicide needs to be treated with great care to spare them additional pain and to ensure that they don’t end up making the same wrong decision. They are already in tremendous pain.

“Responsible reporting with reference to the Samaritans media guidelines may raise valuable awareness and could save lives.”

Today, Hertfordshire police will received Spot the Signs training.

Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Chief Constable Charlie Hall said: ““The aim of the Suicide Prevention Network is to prevent deaths from occurring and where possible reducing any further harm occurring as a result.

“It is heartening that journalists representing so many media outlets in Hertfordshire are also motivated by the same cause and have come forward to sign the charter.”

Hertfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, Richard Roberts said: “Hertfordshire has a very strong partnership approach to preventing suicide and we are very grateful to our local media for showing such support in helping us take a united stand on this.

“World Suicide Prevention Day raises awareness of the devastating impact suicide has on families, friends and communities. This charter will help us move closer to our vision.”

Please find details of some of the support available here: http://www.hpft.nhs.uk/information-and-resources/spot-the-signs/urgent-help/