[box type=”info” align=”” class=”” width=””]by Martin Armstrong, Dec 19, 2017[/box]
New figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) have shown that in 2016 the UK suicide rate experienced the largest decrease for twenty years. The rate for 2016 stands at 10.4 per 100,000 population compared to 10.9 in 2015. Widely credited for this change is the prevention work undertaken in the country with the ONS adding: “The national suicide prevention strategy for England has included work to reduce the risk of suicide in high-risk groups.
While the stark difference in rates between men and women remain – 16.0 compared to 5.0 – there are also sizeable gaps in the rates between the countries of the UK. The highest rate is currently in Northern Ireland with 18.1, and the lowest in England with 9.5. This hasn’t always been the case though. When looking back twenty years, Northern Ireland actually had the lowest rate (10.0) and England the second-lowest (10.8).
If you or somebody you know are in need of help, you can call the Samaritans on 116 123 (UK and Ireland), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of the nearest branch.
You will find more statistics at Statista