Health chiefs will give evidence next week to a Tynwald committee investigating the island’s suicide rate.

In 2014 there was just one recorded case of suicide in the Isle of Man. By August of last year, there had been 10 recorded incidents.

Worrying evidence has been supplied to the committee from those who have attempted to take their own lives.

One said: ’I firmly believe from personal experience that the system of caring for those suffering from suicidal thoughts/depression is not even remotely adequate.’

Another, whose pregnant sister committed suicide, said: ’It is sickening how many people have committed suicide over here. Something must be done now to save lives.’

Health Minister David Ashford and director of public health Dr Henrietta Ewart will give evidence to the social affairs policy review committee on Monday (September 2), from 11.30am.

They will be followed on Monday, September 9 at 3pm by Angela Murray, the Department of Health and Social Care’s interim chief executive officer.

The public hearing will take place in the Legislative Council chamber.