Suicide Audit 2020-2024
Key findings
- The local suicide rate has risen significantly, reaching 14.3 deaths per 100,000 in 2022-24 - higher than the England average of 10.9 per 100,000.
- Men account for three quarters (77%) of suicide cases, consistent with national patterns, while female suicides have increased in recent years.
- The highest number of deaths occurred among 45-64year olds (38%), with females more likely than males to be aged 25-44. The most common method was hanging (64%), and nearly two-thirds (62%) of suicides occurred in the person’s home.
- Patterns of vulnerability were widespread across the borough, cutting across urban and rural areas. Socioeconomic factors played a role, with more suicides than expected occurring in the most deprived neighbourhoods. However, deprivation alone does not explain the distribution of deaths.
- Clinical risk factors were common. Nearly three-quarters (73%) of individuals had a diagnosed or suspected mental health condition, yet over a quarter (29%) of those with a diagnosis were not known to mental health services. Half (49%) of all cases had previously been in contact with mental health services, and one in five had contact in the week before death. Despite this, many experienced delayed access, disengagement without follow-up, or gaps in crisis planning and family involvement.
- Other contributory factors included physical health problems (58% of cases), previous suicide attempts (39%), chronic illness (38%), self-harm (31%), bereavement (26%), financial pressures (22%), and relationship breakdown (17%). Women were more likely to have experienced domestic abuse, self-harm, or loneliness.
- A significant proportion of cases (1 in 6) had no recorded service contact at all in the year before death, even though those who did access help most often engaged with GPs, A&E, mental health services, or crisis teams.
