Energy crisis ‘making poor feel suicidal’

A CHARITY helpline has given staff special training in suicide awareness because of soaring gas and electricity bills.

The Centre for Sustainable Energy reported a huge rise in the number of callers who were struggling to make ends meet.

Ian Preston, from the Bristol-based charity, said: “At least two or three times a week we’re speaking to somebody who’s feeling suicidal. A few years ago, we might speak to somebody once a month.”

An investigation by Channel 4’s Dispatches – to be broadcast tomorrow night – found bills have also been driven up by the collapse of 29 energy firms.