Suicide statistics
A summary of statistics on suicide in the UK. Includes trends by gender, age, English region, and deprivation.
Warning: These briefings discuss suicide and self-harm, which some readers may find distressing.
Overview
In 2023, suicide rates in England reached their highest level since 1999.
The UK government’s 2023 suicide prevention strategy for England aims to reduce the suicide rate in the next five years. Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland have separate suicide prevention strategies.
This page brings together briefings on suicide prevention strategies and crisis mental health care, statistics on suicide rates and explores suicide prevention within key policy areas.
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Suicide prevention policy
Suicide rates in the England have reached their highest level since 1999. The government introduced a new suicide prevention strategy for England in September 2023.
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Suicide prevention: online platforms, print media and broadcasting
Ofcom enforces measures in the Online Safety Act to protect web users from suicide or self-harm content. It also regulates broadcast media, but not the press.
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Suicide prevention: Transport
Network Rail, train operators and British Transport Police all have a significant role in responding to and reducing suicides on the rail network. Local and national highway authorities have a similar role on the road network.
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Suicide prevention: schools and colleges
This briefing provides information on suicide prevention policy in schools and colleges in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Education policy is devolved, and there are different measures in place across the UK.
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Student mental health in England: Statistics, policy, and guidance
This briefing includes data on student mental health, discusses whether universities have a duty of care, and sets out government policy and sector guidance.