The suicide rate in Shropshire is one of the highest in the West Midlands

Data from the Central Statistical Office show that in the years 2021–2023, 12.8 people per 100,000 inhabitants took their own lives in the district, compared to 10.7 per 100,000 inhabitants in the country. This has resulted in Shropshire having the third highest rate in the West Midlands, although it is in the middle range compared to NHS England’s statistical local authority neighbors who have a similar profile.

Shropshire Council’s Health Review and Scrutiny Committee received the report at its meeting this week. It shows that between 2020 and 2023 there were 114 investigations resulting in a suicide verdict, with 50% of employed people (including the self-employed) working in industries such as agriculture/forestry/fishing, manufacturing, construction and professional services . /scientific/technical and health.

The majority were men aged 35 to 54, and most of the deaths occurred at home. Almost a third had been known to mental health services to have had a number of factors (such as relationship breakdown, bereavement, financial problems or deterioration in physical health) before their death.

“The small numbers mean it is difficult to identify clear causes for changes in recent suicide rates,” the report said.

“The themes identified are similar to national evidence on suicide risk, there appears to be no outlier local risk. Many topics are covered in the Shropshire Suicide Prevention Strategy.

“Although audit data did not show a greater association of suicide with greater areas of deprivation, deprivation was recognized to be associated with increased health and social inequalities, which may be risk factors for suicide. “Consequently, further systemic work to address inequalities remains a priority.”

Gordon Kochane, a public health consultant, said Shropshire Council has a suicide prevention strategy which aims to reduce the risk.

He said: “The four overarching goals of our strategy are to improve the quality of data and intelligence so that we can use a more informed, evidence-based approach to targeting interventions that will hopefully have the most positive impact; improving treatment outcomes for people bereaved by suicide; providing suicide awareness staff; and what we can do to improve the support offers already available for people who are feeling suicidal.”

Kochane added that a new suicide prevention toolkit for GPs and primary care will soon be launched, and signage promoting Samaritans will be installed on bridges in Shrewsbury.

For more information about suicide concerns and prevention, visit shropshiretelfordandwrekin.nhs.uk or visit the mental health and wellbeing website at shropshire.gov.uk/public-health/healthy-shropshire.

*When life is difficult, Samaritans are here – day and night, 365 days a year. You can call them free on 116 123, email [email protected] or visit samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.