Health chiefs look at ways to cut Cumbrian suicide rates

PUBLIC health bosses are working to reduce the number of suicides in Cumbria. Just over 50 people die through suicide in the county every year, meaning the suicide death rate in Cumbria is higher than the national average by around 15.

The number of suicides in the county has decreased in recent years.

In 2008, there were 39 suicides registered in Cumbria, compared to 57 in 2007.

Despite this decrease, health bosses are keen to work to reduce the number of suicides in the county.

NHS Cumbria’s annual report for 2009/2010 shows the directly standardised death rate from suicide and injury of undetermined intent in the Barrow area between 2006 and 2008 was 5.31.

That means that Barrow has the lowest suicide rate in the county, but health bosses are keen to stress that figures can fluctuate enormously. In the same time period, the rate for the Copeland district was 15.47 – the highest in the county.

A multi-agency organisation formed the Cumbria Suicide Prevention Group in January last year in a bid to combat the county’s problem.

Professor John Ashton, director of public health for NHS Cumbria, (pictured) said: “Although deaths through suicide represent only one per cent of all deaths in Cumbria, they account for about six per cent of years of life lost to premature death. This is because suicide rates are highest in young people.

“It is the responsibility of everyone in Cumbria to work together to reduce the number of people in the county who feel so desperate that they decide to end their own lives. One organisation can not act alone to do this, as the reasons people decide to turn to suicide are so disparate and complex.

“Many people who are contemplating suicide may not even come into contact with either their GP or mental health services and that’s why it’s so important that everybody takes a bit of responsibility to help us reduce these figures and support those in need.

“We all need to look out for those calls for help and be aware of any potential symptoms of depression or desperation which someone may exhibit. This is just as important if you’re a police officer as it is if you’re a shopkeeper.

“The opportunity for people to talk to someone and be heard, no matter who they are, can make a real difference. Single agencies working alone will not address this problem.”

For confidential emotional support, people can call The Samaritans on 08457 909090.