From the
Swindon Advertiser:
Suicides in region at seven-year low
HEALTH experts in Swindon have outlined the best course of action to help vulnerable people who may be at risk of suicide.
It follows news this week that MPs▸ declared the number of suicides in England was unacceptably high. The number of deaths by suicide in 2015 was 4,820 in England – part of a UK▸ -wide figure of 6,188.
Frances Mayes, senior public health manager at Swindon Borough Council, said: “Christmas can be a lonely time of year and although for many it brings great joy, it can be very stressful and isolating for anyone who feels suicidal.
“The best thing that anyone can do if they feel this way is to seek help from someone they trust, such as a family member or friend. There is also plenty of help available from GPs, the LIFT Psychology team, or minsters and faith leaders.
“If you think that you are about to harm yourself you can go to A&E.”
The 2014 suicide rate in England – 10.3 deaths per 100,000 – was the highest seen since 2004, and the 2015 rate was only marginally lower at 10.1.
But suicide rates in the South West have reached a seven-year low, according to figures supplied by the Office for National Statistics.
In 2015 there were 494 incidents of suicide in the region, down from 536 in 2014 and 560 in 2013.
The last time the number of South West suicides dropped below the 450 mark was in 2008 when there were 442.
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