A RECENTLY inked tattoo across his bicep is a constant reminder for Johnno Felton of the daughter he lost to suicide.

Mr Felton said while the pain never faded, he was driven to leave a legacy behind for Michelle by helping the Warwick community. "What keeps me keep going is knowing we'll be together again because I'm Christian,” he said.

"I don't think of her as being dead, I think of it as we'll meet again some day in heaven. I say my prayers for her every day and my wife and I will light a candle for her if we're having a drink out on the patio.

"I don't want any sympathy from anyone but I've been lucky that I haven't suffered depression myself.

"I'm not saying that I don't miss her immensely; but I've learnt to appreciate life and I've still had a good life.”

Mr Felton said some of the people he meets tell him he should have been a minister himself.

Instead, he said since his daughter died in February 2010, he had learned to spot the signs and check in with anyone who might be doing it tough.

"I can read people's minds, you can tell if someone mightn't be doing OK,” Mr Felton said.

"If they're really tense or slouching it's a sign something might be going on.

"I just try to cheer people up and do things for the community.

"I don't think people realise how bad the problem with suicide is - there would be someone in town who wouldn't even be able to handle going to the shops - but it is getting better in some ways.”

Mr Felton and his wife Ann, along with Marcelle Thompson, are directors of the Southern Downs Suicide Prevention Group.

"It's a club that you don't really want to join,” he said. "But we're always available to help people out when they need someone to talk to.”

Through his involvement in the community, Mr Felton said he had learned some helpful tips on how to help someone doing it tough.

"Ask them if they're doing OK and keep the conversation going,” he said.

"Let them speak and be a good listener, you don't have to say anything but show concern.

"If they do tell you they're contemplating suicide, you have a duty of care to keep them safe, and you can call the police and ambulance to get them to the hospital for a mental health check.

"When I'm helping someone with grief, I tell them life is like a book and soon enough the page will turn to the next chapter - the sun will shine again, even if not as bright.”

If this article has raised concerns for you, phone Lifeline on 131114, beyondblue on 1300224636 or Johnno and Ann on 46618679.