A new report from Liverpool John Moore University’s Suicide and Self-Harm Research Group has found that Cumbria in the north-west has the second highest rate of death by suicide in England and Wales.
The study collated local data and lived experiences of people over the age of 18 in the region to better understand suicide and self-harm, as well as the support needs of the community.
It was found that:
- Women were more likely to experience suicidal thoughts, make suicide attempts and experience suicide bereavements
- Over 50 per cent of those asked had experienced suicidal or self-harm thoughts
- One in five had attempted suicide
- Isolation, financial pressure and long waits for support were identified as risk factors
- Men were less likely to seek help
- Women were more likely to report suicide ideation or attempts and not receive follow-up care
- Younger adults between the ages of 18 and 25 were most likely to experience suicidal thoughts or self-harm
Commenting on the findings, co-lead of the Suicide and Self-Harm Research Group Dr Emma Ashworth said: “The findings highlight some key issues affecting the community, and crucially offer lots of different solutions that could be implemented in the region.
“We hope that these can be used to produce meaningful change, helping to improve individuals’ quality of life and reduce thoughts of suicide.”
Why is there such a high suicide rate in Cumbria?
Figures show that between January 2020 and December 2023, 303 people died by suspected suicide in Cumbria.
Of these:
- 56 per cent were in Cumberland
- 44 per cent were in Westmorland and Furness
Data analysis per 100,000 people shows:
- Allerdale rates are 16.5 per 100,000
- Barrow 17.2 per 100,000
- Carlisle 18.6 per 100,000
- Copeland at 20.6 per 100,000
- Eden at 15.4 per 100,000
- South Lakeland at 9.5 per 100,000
A wide range of different public health issues have an impact on suicide rates, with behaviours shaped by our physical and socio-economic environments.
For example, Barrow in Furness and Carlisle both have high levels of deprivation, as well as high suicide rates.
Inequalities in the building blocks of health (food, work, family, friends, communities, transport, housing, resources, education and our surroundings) can have an impact on suicide.
Office for National Statistics from 2021 reveal estimated rates of suicide by sociodemographic characteristics per 100,000 people.
Results show that those people who have never worked and who are in long-term unemployment are more likely to die by suicide.
How can suicide be prevented?
Potentially effective suicide prevention programmes include:
- Teaching sessions
- Mental health first aid
- Signs of suicide programmes
- Cognitive therapy group programmes
- Large-scale interventions in clinical & educational settings
- Follow-up contact after a suicide attempt (written, over the phone or in person)
Are you considering suicide prevention training? Suicide Bereavement UK delivers evidence-based theory driven courses informed by research and provided by experts in their field.
For further information, contact:
Paul Higham
Suicide Bereavement UK
Tel: 01706 827359
Mobile: 07850 710555
Email: paul.higham@suicidebereavementuk.com