What is North Northamptonshire Council doing about suicide rates?

The council is discussing new prevention strategies, focusing on high-risk groups and developing a dedicated action plan.

Are suicide rates higher in North Northamptonshire than average?

Yes, recent figures show hospital admissions for self-harm are higher than the national average in North Northamptonshire.

Which age group is most at risk for suicide in North Northamptonshire?

Men aged 45 to 64 have been identified as having higher risk factors for suicide in the area.

Home / Health / Northants Council Tackles Rising Suicide Figures

Northants Council Tackles Rising Suicide Figures

6 Dec

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Summary

North Northamptonshire Council addresses elevated suicide rates.
Focus on men aged 45-64 due to identified higher risk factors.
Hospital admissions for self-harm exceed national average.

Northants Council Tackles Rising Suicide Figures

North Northamptonshire Council will convene to explore methods for reducing the area's elevated suicide rates. The health and wellbeing board aims to implement prevention strategies, particularly for men aged 45 to 64, who have demonstrated higher risk factors. These initiatives involve training council staff in 'compassionate conversations' to better support individuals in distress.

The council is developing a comprehensive Suicide Prevention Strategy and action plan. This comes after a retrospective audit revealed that hospital admissions for self-harm in 2023 stood at 131.8 per 100,000 population, surpassing the national average of 126.3.

Further research indicates a significant link between self-harm history and suicide, with half of those who died by suicide having prior self-harm incidents or attempts. The audit also highlighted that individuals with Severe Mental Illness face a stark life expectancy gap, with smoking contributing to an estimated 50% of their deaths.