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Rise in suicide deaths is an urgent public health issue - ONS suicide stats

Responding to today’s ONS figures* Samaritans CEO Ruth Sutherland said: “It is extremely worrying that for the first time in five years, the suicide rate in the UK has increased."

• Press release
• All

What do people do online in relation to suicide and self-harm?

For background information about online activity around suicide and self-harm start here.

Scotland glows green on World Suicide Prevention Day

Samaritans Scotland mark World Suicide Prevention Day with green light campaign and workshops to help others talk about suicide safely and responsibly.

• 10th September 2026
• Scotland

Samaritans responds to ONS suicide figures for England and Wales

Samaritans CEO Ruth Sutherland responds to today’s Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures on suicide*

• 1st September 2020
• England

Samaritans Scotland concern over increase in young male suicides

Statistics released today show 680 people took their own lives in Scotland last year, which represents a fall of 48 from 728 deaths in 2016. The suicide rate has fallen from 13.6 (per 100,000) to 12.8

• 27th June 2018
• Scotland

Samaritans is proud to lead new suicide prevention consortium

The Department of Health and Social Care have announced the members of the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) Health and Wellbeing Alliance for 2021-24, including the new Suicide Prevention Consortium.

• 1st September 2021
• All

Suicide risk factors for middle-aged men

In terms of age, gender and socio-economic status, the group most at risk of suicide are middle-aged men from disadvantaged backgrounds. In 2012, we explored why this group is vulnerable to suicide.

Samaritans welcomes NICE quality standard on suicide prevention

Samaritans inputted in the drafting of the standard, covering guidelines for preventing suicide in community and custodial settings, as well as helping people bereaved or affected by suicide.

Samaritans unveils four steps to reduce suicide in Wales

Samaritans in Wales has today launched its manifesto for the National Assembly for Wales Elections 2016, ‘Four Steps to Save Lives’.

• 19th June 2015
• Wales

Concerning rise in suicide deaths prompts calls for further action

It’s vital that young people don’t come to see suicide as an escape from their struggles and that we seek to address the very real factors which shape their lives. Suicide is preventable.

• 26th June 2019
• Press release
• Scotland

Suicide prevention and the workplace: BSI standard (BS 30480)

The BSI suicide prevention standard (BS 30480) provides guidance for workplaces to reduce suicide risk, support staff and build a safer culture. Samaritans can help you put it into practice.

Samaritans Scotland appointed as a lead partner in Suicide Prevention Scotland

Samaritans Scotland appointed as a lead partner in Suicide Prevention Scotland

• 28th June 2023
• Scotland

Videos on coping with self-harm and suicidal thoughts

For World Mental Health Day, we are launching a series of videos featuring people talking about what helped them in their own journeys and in supporting others with self-harm and suicidal thoughts.

Samaritans responds to NCISH's 2020 suicide figures in England

Samaritans responds to the National Confidential Inquiry's figures on suspected suicides during lockdown in England

• 10th November 2020
• England

Play Your Part in World Suicide Prevention Day, 2020

World Suicide Prevention day is on Thursday 10 September and this year we have chosen the theme of staying connected, both with yourself and others. Read below for some helpful hints & tips.

• 10th September 2020

Guidance for depictions of suicide and self-harm in literature

Suicide is a major public health concern and therefore a topic of public interest. It often features in mainstream media and in literature, both fiction and non-fiction.

Guidance for portrayals of suicide and self-harm in drama

When suicide is featured in drama and literature, as with all other media depictions of suicide, care should be taken to avoid content which could be harmful to vulnerable people.

Guidance for depictions of suicide and self-harm in literature

Suicide is a major public health concern and therefore a topic of public interest. It often features in mainstream media and in literature, both fiction and non-fiction.

Guidance for portrayals of suicide and self-harm in drama

When suicide is featured in drama and literature, as with all other media depictions of suicide, care should be taken to avoid content which could be harmful to vulnerable people.

Guidance for covering suicide and self-harm in documentaries

Documentaries can inform and educate the public about suicidal behaviour, including the signs which may indicate a person is struggling to cope, and encourage important conversations and help seeking.