A CHARITY set up after a teenager took his own life is encouraging people to wear their clothes inside out to reduce the risk of suicide.

It is now ten years since 19-year-old Daniel O’Hare, from Great Lumley, near Chester-le-Street, in County Durham, died.

The family tragedy prompted his parents, Dean and Shirley Smith, to sell wristbands for the Samaritans, and launch their own charity in 2011.

The If U Care Share Foundation carries out suicide prevention and support work in the North-East and has dealt with over 13,000 young people.

Daniel’s brother, Matthew, who was ten when he died in 2005, is now 21 and works as a project manager for the organisation delivering workshops.

He said: “It devastated us because we had lost a huge part of all of our lives.

“Daniel wasn’t just my brother, he was my best friend. We used to do everything together and to have that taken away and not understand why at the time was very difficult.

“It was an awful time and that was one of the main reasons why we wanted to do what we have done.

“If we prevent one person going through what we did then it is a job done for us.”

The charity is looking for people to take part in its annual Inside Out day on September 10 to coincide with Worldwide Suicide Prevention Day.

People are asked to wear at least one item of clothing Inside Out and an #ASKMEWHY sticker, to start a conversation about the issue, and share a ‘selfie’ on social media.

David Brown, who works in emotional and mental health development for the foundation, said: “The campaign aims to raise awareness of suicide prevention and start a conversation about how we are feeling.

“Far too many people who take their own life have no prior signs or contact with mental health services.

“The aftermath of suicide is both devastating and life changing not just for families and friends but whole communities as they feel the impact of such a loss.

“Those that are left behind have their lives quite literally turned Inside Out.”

To find out more log on to: www.ifucareshare.co.uk/inside-out-campaign/get-involved or call 0191-387-5661.