NHS Confederation responds to the relaunch of the government's suicide prevention grant fund

Responding to the relaunch of the government's suicide prevention grant fund, Sean Duggan, chief executive of the mental health network at the NHS Confederation said:

“We agree with the Samaritans that funding for suicide prevention is absolutely essential, and this boost will help ensure that people in crisis get help and care at their time of greatest need.

“Whilst overall numbers have thankfully been decreasing in recent years, we have unfortunately seen an uptick in suicides in young women and younger people of all genders, and rates remain high in men, particularly those in middle-age.

“The rise in younger women taking their own lives is significant, as this has historically been much lower and likely to be linked to the increase in rates of self-harm and mental disorder in this group.

“This increase is not thought to be as a result of the pandemic. However, what we do know is that the risk of suicide is linked to economic problems, so the current cost of living crisis is of great concern, and again shows why funding for suicide prevention is so important in stemming the rise in this current economic climate.

“Leaders are expecting the new suicide prevention strategy later in the year – but we do already have one and there are also existing commitments in the long-term workforce plan. As always NHS leaders in mental health will put this funding to good use but we must recognise that prevention is key in ensuring we support patients effectively before it’s too late.”