New figures from the Office for National Statistics released today show that suicide is the second most common cause of death among people who are homeless in England and Wales.
Thirteen per cent of deaths last year among homeless people were due to suicide.
Samaritans believes this is an issue of inequality, our Dying From Inequality research clearly links deprivation with an increased the risk of suicide – as today’s figures bear out.
People who are homeless need emotional support as well as practical help. This Christmas many Samaritans volunteers from our 201 branches will be at events run by Crisis, the homelessness charity, offering their listening skills to the homeless people there.
Samaritans believes every suicide is one too many. We know that suicide and homelessness are both issues of inequality, which disproportionately affect the most vulnerable people in society.
With homelessness growing, up by nearly a quarter since 2013, the Government needs to act quickly to put support in place to prevent more deaths.
-ENDS-
Notes for Editors
- Anyone can contact Samaritans any time for free from any phone on 116 123. This number is free to call and will not show up on your phone bill. Or email [email protected] or go to www.samaritans.org to find details of your local branch where you can talk to one of our trained volunteers face to face.
- Samaritans responds to more than 5 million calls for help a year.
- Samaritans is a charity and it’s the public’s kind donations and more than 20,000 trained volunteers that mean we are always there for anyone struggling to cope. Your money or your time could save a life. Find out how you can support us: http://www.samaritans.org/support-us