A MAN filled with genuine compassion and a want to help those suffering with mental illness will hang up his hat as a director of the Warwick Suicide Prevention Group.

Johno Felton and his wife Ann have been involved in the organisation since 2011. A few years ago the Feltons sadly lost their daughter Michelle to suicide.

Since that day almost five years ago, the Feltons had been determined to help others get through.

"I really enjoy helping people," Johno said.

"But due to health reasons I need to take a step back and start looking after myself - it takes a certain type of person to be a director, you can't be in it to improve your ego."

Johno said the group was currently looking to fill three director positions.

"It's not an easy task, you're on call 24/7, it's like crisis management," he said.

"You'll get a call to go and see someone who may be sitting in the gutter - when you get there you've got to talk to them about what's wrong.

"But it's not just one conversation, you have to keep following up with them, call them the next day and see if they are okay," he said.

Johno said there were various things he would like to see the new director lobby for.

"The land near headspace needs to be bought by the state government and turned into a mental health hub," he said.

"Why is DrugARM in such a dingy building? Why is mental illness always shoved in dingy, dark places?

"I'd like to see more education in schools about drugs and alcohol."

Johno said with talks about Warwick having high mental illness rates and hitting big numbers on the obesity scales it was time for action.

"Both of those problems lead to suicide," he said.

Mr Felton's advice for parents concerned about their child's mental health is to be on the lookout for any behavioural changes.

Angry outbursts, changes in sleeping and eating patterns and a tendency to isolate themselves in bed are all warning signs.

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