The Health and Social Care Secretary spoke about how men in their 40s and 50s make up a disproportionately high proportion of male suicides, around 40%. If people are encouraged to talk about how they feel and are assisted to come forward for help, so much can be achieved
The government will soon be publishing a new 10-year mental health plan. At the moment, there is an open call for evidence asking for people’s views on what should be included in this plan and shortly afterwards a new 10-year suicide prevention plan will be published.
“We must treat suicides with the same urgency that we treat any other major killer and take determined action that reflects the changes and progress that we all want to see in society.”
According to research, suicide-related internet use was relevant to about a quarter of suicides in those aged under 20. Google searches for suicide methods from UK browsers have risen by over 50% in 2 years.
The Online Safety Bill that has already brought before Parliament will give people a once in a generation opportunity to tackle this issue.
To read more about the Health and Social Care Secretary's speech on suicide prevention, please visit: www.gov.uk/health-and-social-care-secretary-of-state-speech-on-suicide-prevention
Learn more about Preventing Suicide, Saving Lives: Suicide Prevention and Preventing Suicide in Young People & Children