Record low level of suicides

The third annual report of the National Suicide Prevention Strategy (launched in 2002), produced jointly by the Department of Health and the National Institute for Mental Health in England (NIMHE), shows that the national suicide rate is at its lowest level since records began.

The report also shows a sustained drop in the number of young men committing suicide, the first sustained downward trend for 25 years, and a drop in the number of suicides among prisoners and mental health in-patients.
 
Health minister Rosie Winterton said that the report showed that the suicide prevention strategy is having a real impact on the vulnerable people who most need help. Professor Louis Appleby, National director for mental health said that the fall in in-patient suicides is particularly encouraging news.

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