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Understanding UK & Ireland suicide statistics

Reliable suicide statistics are vital for targeting prevention activities and reducing deaths.

Download our summaries below to understand how suicide data is collected, how this data could be improved in the future and tips for using suicide data.

Want to know the latest suicide rates for the UK and Ireland?

Read the latest suicide statistics here

For more information about how to talk about suicide responsibly and sensitively, please see our Samaritans' Media Guidelines.

How do we get suicide statistics?

There are challenges to accurately recording and reporting the number of deaths by suicide. This video shows the journey to suicide statistics and what the challenges are.

Why do we look at suicide statistics?

At Samaritans, we monitor suicide statistics to make sure we reach those most at risk, and prevent suicide. Watch this video to find out more.

Three key principles for using suicide data

It’s not always easy to interpret suicide statistics. This video outlines three key principles for understanding and using suicide data.

Campaigns

We're raising awareness in local communities and pressuring governments to help make sure fewer people die by suicide.

National and local suicide prevention strategies

We’re working with governments across the UK and Ireland to make their national strategies for suicide prevention as ambitious and effective as possible. Read our recommendations.

Supporting less well-off, middle-aged men

Our report, Out of sight, out of mind: Why less well-off, middle-aged men don’t get the support they need, focuses on the lived experience of men.