New ONS data from the first nine months of the pandemic show a slight decrease, particularly in men
Responding to new ONS data on suicides between April and December 2020, Julie Bentley, Samaritans CEO, said:
“Today’s ONS suicide data gives us a much better understanding of suicide during the first nine months of the pandemic. It is notable that the number of suicides at that time slightly decreased, particularly in men, compared to previous years.
“However, this latest data is from 2020. England must urgently follow Wales and launch its national real time suicide surveillance system, enabling us to better understand what’s happening with suicide rates now, rather than two years down the line. This is particularly important given what we know about suicide rates and economic uncertainty and hardship.
“Every life lost is a tragedy and this new data is no consolation to anyone who has been bereaved by suicide. It also doesn’t alleviate the pressures that the pandemic has exacerbated and created, and our listening volunteers continue to support people who are struggling right now.”