Sonya Trivedy, Executive Director of External Engagement at Samaritans said: “Every suicide is a devastating loss felt by families, friends and communities and today's data acts as a stark reminder that complacency is not an option, as lives depend on it.
“The latest ONS figures show that suicide rates are among the highest recorded rates this century. Men remain three times more likely to die by suicide than women, and middle aged men continue to have the highest suicide rate of any group, a trend that has persisted for decades.
The evidence is clear that successive Governments have failed to deliver on their promise to reduce suicide rates and make suicide prevention a priority. Today must act as a wake up call. The current approach is not working; we need meaningful action and proper funding if lives are to be saved.