In a powerful and informative session hosted by Kate Owen, Brierley Hill Samaritans delivered a presentation today to 139 staff members from the Department for or Work and Pensions
Focusing on raising awareness around suicide prevention and the impact of suicide within the local community.
One of the key messages shared during the session was the sobering statistic that Dudley recorded 8.8 suicides per 100,000 people between 2021 and 2023, the highest rise in decades. This figure is based on a three-year rolling average, which helps capture longer-term trends in suicide rates across the borough.
The presentation also highlighted the far-reaching emotional toll of suicide. As shared during the session, “Every death by suicide is a tragedy. It is estimated that 135 people are affected every time someone takes their life.” This includes family members, friends, colleagues, and wider community networks who often carry the emotional weight of such loss.
The event underscored the importance of open conversations, compassionate listening, and proactive support in tackling the rising rates of suicide. Brierley Hill Samaritans remain committed to being a lifeline for anyone struggling to cope.
Kate Owen at the DWP Presentation via Microsoft Teams