Redcar and Cleveland Council leader Mary Lanigan said the death several years ago had devastated her family. She was one of a number of councillors who spoke in support of a motion by Cllr Barry Hunt, which proposed that the local authority provided all staff and elected members with access to mental health awareness training in a bid to support those experiencing such difficulties. The motion, which was seconded by Cllr Graham Cutler, received unanimous backing at a full meeting of the council. Cllr Lanigan, an independent, said: “I was closely touched by suicide – a close member of the family some time ago.