The UK government has launched a suicide prevention strategy in England with the goal of reducing suicide rates within two and a half years. The move comes in response to concerns over rising suicide rates and self-harm, particularly among children and young people. 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.
Key points from the strategy include:
A focus on specific groups at risk of suicide, including middle-aged men, autistic individuals, pregnant women, and new mothers.
Teaching suicide prevention in schools and examining whether suicide and self-harm prevention should be part of the school curriculum.
Half of schools in England will have mental health support teams in place by April 2025, and state schools and colleges will be offered funding to train a senior mental health lead by 2025.
Reviewing whether reducing the amount of paracetamol people can buy in shops could help reduce suicide rates.
Ensuring that pregnant women and new mothers receive support at every contact with health professionals.
Rolling out crisis text lines in all areas of England.
Mental health groups have welcomed the strategy but stressed the importance of adequate funding to ensure its success.
The strategy aims to provide tailored and targeted support to priority groups, including those at higher risk of suicide, such as middle-aged men, children and young people, those who have self-harmed, mental health service users, autistic individuals, pregnant women and new mothers, and those in contact with the justice system.
Other groups thought to be at higher risk of suicide include gambling addicts, victims of domestic abuse, substance addicts, people in financial difficulties, people with physical illnesses, and those who are isolated or lonely.
This initiative seeks to address the critical issue of suicide prevention, particularly among vulnerable and at-risk populations, and emphasizes the importance of targeted support and prevention strategies.
