By Anna Whittaker, Local Democracy Reporter
Nottingham City Council is taking steps to reduce the number of suicides after figures showed the city’s rate is higher than the England average.
The authority wrote in a report that “suicides are not inevitable”, as it laid out an action plan.
In Nottingham city, the most recently-available suicide rate, for 2019 to 2021, is 11.2 per 100,000 people.
This is higher than both the East Midlands (10.3) and England (10.4) rates. Nottinghamshire county’s rate is 10.3 per 100,000 people.
However, city council papers say the Nottingham rate is not a “statistically significant difference”.
The issue will be discussed further at the city council’s health and wellbeing board on January 24.
The rate of suicide in Nottingham has also decreased from 12.7 per 100,000 people in 2017-19 to 11.2 per 100,000 in 2019-21.
The data indicates “significantly higher rates” among males compared to females. Suicide rates in Nottingham are highest amongst males aged 35-64.
The highest percentage of suspected suicide deaths in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire are of people from white ethnic groups.
Statistics show Rushcliffe has recorded a decrease in the suicide rate amongst residents while Broxtowe and Newark & Sherwood have seen higher rates of suicide since 2013-15 figures.
Council documents stated: “The previous Joint Strategic Needs Assessment on Suicide Prevention was approved in February 2016. Seven years on, and post the coronavirus pandemic, research has shown increased psychological morbidity in UK populations.
“In terms of suicide risk, systematic review research has shown that the way people seek help for suicidal behaviour has changed, with no overall rise in suicide deaths.”
But the council says there is a number of ‘unmet needs’ identified in the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA).
The JSNA is made up of representatives from the local Integrated Care Board, the county council and city council’s public health teams, Nottinghamshire Healthcare Foundation Trust, Bassetlaw Place Based Partnership and the Samaritans.
A total of 19 recommendations have been put forward for Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, aligned with the Suicide Prevention Strategy for England 2023- 2028.
The assessment found school-based mental health support does not specifically address suicide prevention.
It also states there is a need for tailored support for men.
It said there needs to be a focus on reducing self harm and suicide amongst LGBTQ+ young people in schools, and access needs to improve for Gypsy Roma and Traveller communities.
Nationally, a total of 15,447 deaths from suicide were registered in the three-year period of 2019-21.
The overall trend in suicide rates has been on the rise since 2006-08, rising from 9.2 per 100,000 in 2006-08 to 10.4 per 100,000 in 2019-21.
Males continued to account for three-quarters of suicide deaths registered in 2021.
Council documents stated: “Suicide has a significant, lasting and often devastating impact – emotionally, psychologically, and economically – on individuals, families, communities and wider society.
“Our aim is to reduce the rate of suicide and self-harm in Nottingham City. Suicide occurs within every demographic group but certain groups are known to be at higher risk, and there is an association between suicide and socioeconomic deprivation.
“Our suicide prevention work focuses on promoting mental health and wellbeing, and on reducing risks and health inequalities.”
Anyone who needs urgent support with their mental health can call the Nottinghamshire Mental Health Crisis Line free on 0808 196 3779 (24/7) or the Samaritans, also free, on 116 123 (24/7).
