Council to consider strategies for decreasing male suicide rates

North Northamptonshire Council is set to review strategies aimed at decreasing the incidence of suicide, following data indicating that local rates exceed the national average. Councillors from the health and wellbeing board will convene on Tuesday to consider preventive measures for men aged 45 to 64, identified by an audit as having elevated risk factors.

Proposed initiatives include equipping customer service staff with skills for compassionate conversations and creating a comprehensive Suicide Prevention Strategy with an accompanying action plan.

According to a retrospective suicide audit, in 2023, hospital admissions due to self-harm in the area reached 131.8 per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national rate of 126.3 per 100,000. The Coroners' Suicide Audit revealed that half of individuals who died by suicide had a prior history of self-harm or suicide attempts.

The research also highlighted that individuals with Severe Mental Illness (SMI), such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression, experience one of the largest health disparities in England, with life expectancy 15 to 20 years shorter than the general population. Council reports noted that approximately 50% of deaths among those with SMI are linked to smoking, emphasizing the need to reduce tobacco use and improve overall physical health.

Author: Lucas Grant