Planned services include bereavement support, advice, medical and nurse clinics, complementary therapies, faith networks, group support for patients and carers and a drop-in centre.

BBC: St Nicholas and St Elizabeth hospices share ?1m grant

However, the council will retain control of community learning and development, library support for schools and bereavement services.

BBC: Falkirk trust set to take over council services

He said the government's refreshed suicide prevention strategy targeted those most at risk by "providing the right interventions at the right time", but added it needed to "make sure information about treatment and support is available to those who need them, including those who are suffering from bereavement following a suicide".

BBC: UK suicide rate rises 'significantly' in 2011