Mombasa county in collaboration with suicide attempt survivors has embarked on a campaign an anti-suicide and mental health campaign seeking to sensitize the public and instil hope.

Mombasa county Director of Gender Esther Ingolo said the campaign to sensitize the public has been informed by the rising cases of attempted suicides reported in Mombasa.

"This month is a suicide awareness month, we have decided to bring survivors to speak to victims of gender based violence so that they can talk to them because we know what they went through has caused a lot of pain," said Ingolo during a sensitization forum held at a Mombasa hotel on Saturday.

In Mombasa at least 1,700 attempted suicide cases have been recorded with women leading with the largest number followed by children and men.

"Majority of suicide cases reported to us are related to intimate betrayal within couples, because many opt to committing suicide for feeling neglected," said Ingolo, adding that men are coming out to speak for themselves.

"On average per week we can get 50-60 cases from all parts of Mombasa and Coast, this is alarming but what we want to sensitize people is to have hope in life and care about one another," said Ingolo.

On her part Queentah Wambulwa a survivor and the founder of Girls for girls Africa mental health foundation called on the public to come out and get sensitized should they find themselves suffering from depression.

"We are trying to create awareness of gender based victims and allow survivors tell their stories and how people can counter mental health," said Wambulwa.

Wambulwa said the cases of mental health are within family set ups where teens feel neglected by the society and family members.

According to Wambulwa the event coincided with the September suicide awareness prevention month which is observed globally.

"This forum is important because it will help victims manage their situations, we have seen the vice rising amongst young people and that is what has informed this sensitization campaign," said Wambulwa.

Distressed members of the public are now advise to reach call the toll free line 0800720587 to speak to psychologists for free within Mombasa.