Samaritans' comment on 2008 UK suicide figures (ONS)

Thursday 28 January 2009

Contact: Robyn Clark

Phone: +44 (0)20 8394 8348/ +44 (0)7943 809162

Email: r.clark@samaritans.org

Samaritans commented on the 2008 UK suicide figures published today by the Office of National Statistics.

Stephen Platt, Samaritans’ Trustee and Professor of Health Policy Research at the University of Edinburgh, said:   “The 2008 Office of National Statistics UK suicide figures reveal a small increase in the number of suicide deaths and the suicide rate compared to 2007.  In view of the promising downward trend in suicide in previous years, this could be worrying but it may turn out to be a normal fluctuation.  However, given the strong research evidence of a link between economic recession and suicide, it is also possible that this is the start of an upward trend in suicide which could continue until there is an improvement in economic conditions.

“Any suicide is one too many and it is vital that we continue to work towards ensuring that fewer people die in this way. Samaritans persists in reaching out to those who are at risk of suicide by providing our 24/7 emotional support line and by the work of our 200 branches to support distressed and vulnerable people in their local communities. We also work with Government in Westminster and the devolved Nations on the national suicide prevention strategies, as well as forming local and national partnerships such as our new project with Network Rail that aims to reduce suicides on the railways by 20 per cent over the next five years.“

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Notes to Editors

Samaritans

Samaritans' vision is for a society where fewer people die by suicide because people are able to share feelings of emotional distress openly without fear of being judged.  Samaritans believes that offering people the opportunity to be listened to in confidence, and accepted without prejudice, can alleviate despair and suicidal feelings.

Samaritans is a registered charity, founded in 1953, which offers 24-hour confidential emotional support to anyone in emotional distress.  The service is offered by 16,534 trained volunteers and is entirely dependent on voluntary support.  Across the UK, you can call Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 (1850 60 90 90 in the Republic of Ireland) email jo@samaritans.org, write to Samaritans at Chris, PO Box 9090, Stirling, FK8 2SA, or if you are deaf or hard of hearing use the single national minicom number 08457 90 91 92. Log on to www.samaritans.org for more information. Calls from BT will be charged at up to 2 pence per minute at all times. A call set-up fee of 7 pence applies to calls from residential lines. Mobile and other providers' charges may vary.