ONS Reveals Unchanged Suicide Rates in England and Wales for 2022: Calls for Urgent Action

ONS Reveals Unchanged Suicide Rates in England and Wales for 2022: Calls for Urgent Action

(IN BRIEF) The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has released data on suicides in England and Wales for the year 2022, highlighting the persistence of suicide rates that have remained largely unchanged for over two decades. In response to the figures, Jacqui Morrissey, Assistant Director of Influencing at Samaritans, emphasized the need for more proactive efforts to reduce suicide rates. She called upon the government to set ambitious goals for lowering suicide rates and stressed the importance of both national and local investments in suicide prevention initiatives. Morrissey also encouraged individuals to support one another, especially during challenging times like the festive season, and reminded them that Samaritans provides round-the-clock listening support every day of the year, including Christmas Day.

(PRESS RELEASE) EWELL, 20-Dec-2023 — /EuropaWire/ — The ONS published data on Suicides in England and Wales: 2022 registrations, commenting on the figures, Jacqui Morrissey, Assistant Director of Influencing at Samaritans said:

“These stubbornly unchanging figures show that much more needs to be done to reduce suicide. It’s simply not acceptable that suicide rates in England are as high now as they were over 20 years ago, so we need the Government to be ambitious with their strategy and aim for the lowest ever rates recorded. This can only be achieved by investing at both a national and local level, and renewing vital local suicide prevention funding is a crucial first step.

“Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy and we can all play our part to help prevent it. It may feel particularly difficult to cope during this festive season, so it’s important that we check in on each other and talk about how we are feeling. If anyone is finding things tough and needs support, Samaritans offers a listening ear 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including Christmas Day.”

Media Contact:

Nithiya Gnanathas
Partnership & Influencing PR Manager
n.gnanathas@samaritans.org

Joe Bookbinder
Press Officer
j.bookbinder@samaritans.org

SOURCE: Samaritans