New Figures Show Suicide Rate Continues To Fall In UK

A new guide was published recently, giving advice on how to prevent suicides at local 'hotspots', such as railway bridges or cliffs. The guide, produced by the Department of Health, provides advice on how to identify potential hotspots and suggests measures, such as installing telephone helplines, to deter people who want to kill themselves.



This guide was published on the same day as new figures revealed that the national suicide rate continued to fall last year and now stood at its lowest ever level. The three year average is now 8.5 deaths per 100,000, down from a baseline of 9.4 deaths per 100,000 in 1995.



In 2004, there was over 300 cases of suicide involving jumping from a height or people throwing themselves in front of vehicles. Evidence suggests that lives can be saved when local agencies work together to deter suicide in high-risk locations. The guidance offers suggestions such as:


Erecting physical barriers at well known 'jump points';
Placing signs urging people to contact the Samaritans, or installing telephone helplines at hotspots;
Having dedicated 'suicide patrols' of volunteer or paid counsellors to patrol the area.



In 1998, the Government introduced legislation to reduce the size of paracetamol and aspirin packs. A study showed that suicides from overdoses of paracetamol or aspirin dropped nearly a quarter in the three years following the introduction of the legislation.



Health minister Rosie Winterton said:



"Every death from suicide is preventable, a loss for society and a needless tragedy for the friends and family of the victim. We all have a role to play in tackling this. The latest figures on suicide show that the national rate continues to fall and is at its lowest level since records began. However, despite this news, we must work hard to ensure that this downward trend continues.



"We know that there are actions that can be taken to reduce the risk of suicide.



"I urge everyone to play their part in combating suicide - by working together we can save lives."







Notes:



1. The guide, "Guidance on action to be taken at suicide hotspots" was produced by the Care Services Improvement Partnership on behalf of the DH. It can be found on nimhe.csip.uk



2. The latest ONS figures for death by suicide are below:



INTENTIONAL SELF-HARM AND INJURY OF UNDETERMINED INTENT

(ICD10 X60-X84, Y10-Y34 excl. Y33.9)


Persons - All AgesThree-year average
YearsMortality Rate
1995/6/7 (Baseline)9.2
1996/7/89.3
1997/8/99.6
1998/9/20009.7
1999/2000/019.3
2000/1/28.9
2001/2/38.6
2002/3/48.6
2003/4/58.5

Milestone (2004/5/6)
8.1

Target (2009/10/11)
7.3

Percentage change in rate since baseline
-7.4%




For further information please go to:
UK Department of Health