Suicide rates above national average, with many more men taking their lives than women
Almost three quarters of suicides in the county in recent years have been of men
By Nadia Lincoln, local democracy reporter
North Northamptonshire Council (NNC) has announced steps it is taking to reduce the number of suicides in the area, after figures show rates are above the national average.
A particular focus on prevention for men aged between 45 to 64 years old has also been highlighted, as an audit demonstrated that the group had āhigher risk factorsā than others.
A report being taken to the councilās health and wellbeing board next week (Tuesday, November 9) has emphasised the authorityās objectives to strengthen work to reduce self-harm and suicide prevention and reduce wider mental health-related inequities.
A retrospective suicide audit undertaken for North Northants indicates higher rates among males compared to females and also identifies evidence of several triggers within the profile of those who died, including bereavement, loneliness and social factors.
In North Northamptonshire, as of 2023, hospital admissions as a result of self-harm were 131.8 per 100,000 population, which is higher than the national average of 126.3. National research from the Coronersā Suicide Audit found that half of those who died by suicide had a history of self-harm and/or previous suicide attempts.
Figures for the county show that in 2021 there were 83 suicides in the county; in 2022 73 people died by suicide and 71 people died in 2023. In all of those three years, almost three quarters of those who died were male.
It was also noted in the report that people living with Severe Mental Illness (SMI) ā for example, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression ā face one of the greatest health inequality gaps in England, with life expectancy 15 to 20 years shorter than that for the general population.
Council documents state it is estimated that 50 per cent of deaths in people living with SMI are attributable to smoking and also highlight a need for an increased focus on reducing smoking in this cohort and investigating opportunities to improve their physical health.
The council has set out various projects planned, including rolling out training to NNC customer service on ācompassionate conversationsā, the development of a new council Suicide Prevention Strategy and action plan, and discussions to develop an SMI and smoking cessation training.
Another initiative highlighted is the Orange Button scheme, which is a community-based suicide prevention initiative that trains individuals to become identifiable points of contact for those in emotional distress and wear an orange button to signal that they are safe to approach and can listen, support, and signpost to help.
The issue will be discussed further at the Corby Cube council chamber next week.
A sad indictment of modern life.
Unemployment .. single households.. rising cost of living .. depressing news from home and abroad .. social media .. loneliness and depression ā¦
What a cruel sad world we live in š„²