Shropshire suicide rate is among the highest in the West Midlands

Data provided by the Office of National Statistics shows that 12.8 people per 100,000 took their own lives in the county between 2021 and 2023, compared to 10.7 per 100,000 nationally. That has resulted in Shropshire having the third highest rate in the West Midlands, although it is in the middle range when compared to NHS England statistical local authority neighbours that have a similar profile.

Shropshire Council’s Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee was provided with a report at a meeting this week. It showed that 114 inquests with a verdict of suicide were reviewed between 2020 and 2023, with 50 per cent of people in employment (including self-employment) working in industries such as agriculture/forestry/fishing, manufacturing, building and construction, and professional/scientific/technical, and health.

The majority were males aged 35 to 54, with most deaths occurring at home. Just under a third were known to mental health services, with a range of event factors (such as a relationship breakdown, bereavement, financial concern, or physical decline in health) prior to their death.

“Small numbers mean it is challenging to identify clear reasons of changes to the recent suicide rate,” reads the report.

“Themes identified are similar to national evidence of suicide risk, there appears to be no outlier local risk. Many of the themes are represented within the Shropshire Suicide Prevention Strategy.

“Although audit data did not identify higher association of suicide in higher areas of deprivation, it is recognised deprivation is linked to increased health and social inequalities which can be risk factors of suicide. As such further system work to address inequalities remains priority.”

Gordon Kochane, a consultant in public health, said Shropshire Council has a suicide prevention strategy to mitigate the risk.

He said: “The four overarching objectives of our strategy is to improve the quality of data and intelligence so we can have a more informed evidence-based approach in targeting interventions that will hopefully have the most positive impact; to improve outcomes for people who have been bereaved by suicide; to ensure we have a workforce that is suicide aware; and what we can be doing to enhance those offers which are already available to support those who are having suicidal thoughts.”

Mr Kochane added that a new GP and primary care suicide prevention toolkit will be launched soon, while signage promoting the Samaritans will be installed on bridges in Shrewsbury.

For more information about suicide concerns and prevention, visit shropshiretelfordandwrekin.nhs.uk or via the mental health and wellbeing page at shropshire.gov.uk/public-health/healthy-shropshire.

*When life is difficult, Samaritans are here – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.