Suicide prevention drive launched in England amid concern for young people

Ministers have vowed to reduce suicide rates in England with the launch of more than 100 new initiatives amid particular concerns over rising deaths and self-harm among children and young people.

The pledge to reverse the trends within two and a half years came as the government launched its first prevention strategy in more than a decade. In 2022, there were 5,275 suicides in England, equivalent to 10.6 suicides per 100,000 people, according to the Office for National Statistics.

“While overall the current suicide rate is not significantly higher than in 2012, the rate is not falling,” a new government document says. “We must do all we can to prevent more suicides, save many more lives and ultimately reduce suicide rates.”

It highlights how rates of suicide among children and young people have increased in recent years, despite being low overall, adding: “Urgent attention is needed to address and reverse these trends.”

The new measures being launched will also aid other specific groups at risk of suicide, including middle-aged men, autistic people, pregnant women and new mothers.

Steve Barclay, the health secretary, said: “Too many people are still affected by the tragedy of suicide, which is so often preventable. This national cross-government strategy details over 100 actions we’ll take to ensure anyone experiencing the turmoil of a crisis has access to the urgent support they need.”

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Source: The Guardian, 11 September 2023