We would like to issue the following response to the tragic death of Robin Williams:

“We were saddened to hear of the suspected suicide of Robin Williams, our hearts go out to his family and friends who should be left to grieve in peace.

Suicide is characterised here in the UK, as it is in the US and for almost every nation except China, by a three, four or even five to one ratio of male to female deaths. In 2012, the last date for which we have figures, 77% of all suicides were male. It is the single biggest killer of men aged 20-49 in the UK. Given the disproportionate number of male suicides, in every age band, we hope that the media will explore the relevance of gender rather than just focusing and speculating on the minutiae of Robin’s life in examining this issue”.

CALM, the campaign against living miserably is reg charity no 1110621, is an award- winning charity dedicated to preventing male suicide in the UK.