Scunthorpe Samaritans worried about increase in UK suicides

The number of people taking their own life in the UK rose in 2011, latest figures from the Office for National Statistics have shown.

About 6,045 people killed themselves in 2011, an increase of 437 since 2010.

The highest suicide rate was among men aged between 30 and 44.

About 23 men per 100,000 took their own lives in 2011.

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A spokesman from Scunthorpe Samaritans said: "The increase in national suicide rates is very worrying and we are particularly concerned by the higher suicide rate amongst men in lower middle age.

"So many men in this age group are struggling to cope with multiple personal and life issues, many of which may be attributed to the current economic climate."

The ONS data revealed there were 4,552 suicides by men in 2011, more than three times the number by women and the highest rate since 2002.

The suicide rate among middle-aged men aged 45 to 59 was also high, increasing from 21.7 deaths in 2006 to 22.2 deaths per 100,000 people in 2011.

The spokesman said: "Suicide represents the complete and tragic breakdown of human emotions and a despairing loss of hope and inability to cope. If people are reaching this point in increasing numbers we need to seriously ask why.

"It's important for local and national decision makers to look at suicide in a wider context, recognising specific social and health inequalities as well as poorer mental well-being.

"As a community we must all be more vigilant to the signs of overwhelming stress and strain in ourselves and others and take early positive action if we are not coping."

The Samaritans contact number is available 24 hours a day, call 01724 860000.

Interested in volunteering for Scunthorpe Samaritans? They have an information event tomorrow evening (Thursday). Call 01724 860000 today to book a place.