ONS Reports Highest Suicide Rates in 20 Years
The Samaritans emphasized that suicide should be regarded as a ‘public health crisis’ and urged the government to commit to funding for suicide prevention.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that the number of suicides registered in England and Wales has reached its highest rate in two decades.
Last year, there were 6,069 suicides in both countries, with a rate of 11.4 deaths per 100,000 people, up from 10.7 in 2022 and the highest since 1999. Around three-quarters of these suicides were among men, a trend seen since the mid-1990s. The ONS noted an overall increase in suicide rates across various age groups and regions.
Vahe Nafilyan, the head of data and analysis at the ONS, highlighted the devastating impact of suicide and emphasized the ongoing monitoring of suicide registrations to protect vulnerable individuals at risk.
‘Worse Than Expected’
The charity Samaritans described the figures as “shocking” and “even worse than expected,” calling for immediate action from the government to address the crisis. Jacqui Morrissey, from Samaritans, emphasized the urgent need for investment in suicide prevention to save lives.
She criticized the lack of attention to suicide prevention compared to other issues, urging the government to prioritize funding for suicide prevention, especially in areas with high suicide rates.
The Department for Health and Social Care acknowledged the worrying trend and expressed commitment to reversing it by improving mental health support and addressing the underlying causes of unequal health outcomes, including suicide.
Men Facing ‘Silent Health Crisis’
The Local Government Association called for a national men’s health strategy in England to combat various health issues affecting men, including high suicide rates.
Suicide rate in England and Wales. PA Wire
In its report on men’s health and wellbeing, the LGA called for reinstating local suicide prevention funding to address the alarming suicide rates. The organization advocated for a national men’s health strategy to improve health outcomes and life expectancy among men.
The DHSC emphasized the importance of the 10-year health plan for addressing men’s health concerns and providing targeted interventions to improve health outcomes.
Samaritans can be reached for support at 116 123 in the UK and the Republic of Ireland. Additional resources for suicidal thoughts can be found on the NHS website.
PA Media contributed to this report.
