Every case of suicide is a tragedy many times over: for the person who could see no way out; for their family and friends, often left with an intolerable burden of guilt; and also, for society as a whole in its failure to provide greater support. 

I also recognise that there are also some clear disparities in suicide rates across the country. Someone is twice as likely to die from suicide in the North East compared to London, and men living in more deprived areas are at 10 times more risk of suicide than in the least deprived areas.  The Government is committed to spreading wealth and opportunity across the country, so as well as tackling deprivation where it exists.  

As part of the NHS Long Term Plan, the Government is boosting the suicide reduction programme in England by £57 million of funding by 2023/24 which will support local suicide prevention plans and establish suicide bereavement support services. All mental health providers now have 24/7 urgent mental health helplines in place.  

 You may also be assured to hear that through the Online Safety Bill, companies will be required to proactively remove and limit the spread of illegal content which encourages or incites suicide online. 

In April, the Government asked for views on what steps need to be taken to improve mental health services as part of the new 10-year mental health action plan and refreshed National Suicide Prevention Plan.  Feedback is currently being analysed and the next steps will be published in due course. 

Just one life lost to suicide is one too many. With the implementation of these policies, the Government hopes to find new ways to prevent suicide.