World Suicide Prevention and UK Statistics
As we prepare for World Suicide Prevention Day (on 10th September 2019), we at HEH Mind are saddened to read the report published by the Office of National Statistics which identifies there has been an increase in the number of deaths caused by suicide.
The ONS report states there has been an 11.8% increase in deaths by suicide in the UK (686 individual deaths) from 2017 to 2018. This is the first time in five years there has been a recorded increase in the suicide rate. In Hampshire on average someone takes their own life approximately every 3 days.
It is little known that for each 1 recorded suicide, 25 people make an attempt to take their own life. This means that it is likely 7 people each day in Hampshire make and attempt to take their own life.
Every single death by suicide is a tragedy, and something we actively try to prevent. Unfortunately, despite our efforts, in the last year our community has been affected by suicide.
While there is no simple solution, it is important to say suicide is preventable, and people can recover from the thoughts, feelings and emotions they may be having.
Julie Parker, CEO of Havant and East Hants Mind has taken the opportunity of world suicide prevention day to publically renew the commitment of all at Havant and East Hants Mind to continue challenging the culture around mental health, changing how our communities talk about mental health illnesses and deliver the much needed wellbeing support for those in our local communities.”
Mike Lock, Community Development lead at HEH Mind explained “Suicide prevention is part of our training courses, awareness activities, community engagement and our ethos at Havant and East Hants Mind. Our Ambassadors Project highlights this; where our training focuses on starting conversations about wellbeing, regardless of someone displaying signs of poor mental health. Ambassadors are trained and recruited to support their communities, be that in the workplace, a sports club, education or a wider community setting. Through them we hope to change the culture around mental health and show at certain times it is ok, and important, to ask someone ‘are you thinking of harming yourself?’ This could allow someone to open up, it could start a ‘real’ conversation, lead to signposting and potentially saving a life.”
As a recovery service HEH Mind supports people –some who may previously have had suicidal thoughts, to manage their illness, symptoms and to access support. We know from their feedback how valuable they have found developing wellbeing tools and behaviours as part of our workshops, groups and training.
If you would like to find out more about our services, whether it is for yourself or someone you know, please visit easthantsmind.org or call 02392 481886.
Havant and East Hants Mind is a recovery service, if you are in crisis please contact your GP, the emergency services on 999 and/ or Samaritans on 116 123 or www.samaritans.org.
Havant and East Hants Mind hopes that with more people talking about mental health (illnesses, wellbeing, and support), we will see these figures reduce next year as we work towards zero suicides (as outlined by the Zero Suicide Alliance).
Posted on: 6th September 2019
