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UK suicide rate rises 'significantly' in 2011 UK suicide rate rises 'significantly' in 2011
(35 minutes later)
The number of people taking their own life in the UK rose "significantly" in 2011, latest figures from the Office for National Statistics have shown.The number of people taking their own life in the UK rose "significantly" in 2011, latest figures from the Office for National Statistics have shown.
Some 6,045 people killed themselves in 2011, an increase of 437 since 2010.Some 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.The highest suicide rate was among men aged between 30 and 44. About 23 men per 100,000 took their own lives.
On average, across both sexes, 11.8 people per 100,000 population killed themselves in 2011, up from 11.1 people the previous year.On average, across both sexes, 11.8 people per 100,000 population killed themselves in 2011, up from 11.1 people the previous year.
The ONS data revealed there were 4,552 suicides by men in 2011, more than double the number of women. Suicides among women stood at 1,493. 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.
Suicide statistics provide an indicator of mental health.
They are important for monitoring trends in deaths resulting from intentional (and probable) self-harm.
The statistics are widely used to inform policy, planning and research and to enable policy makers and support services to target their resources most effectively.
Each country making up the UK has a suicide prevention strategy in place which aims to identify risk factors, take action via cross-sector organisations, and ultimately reduce suicide rates.
In September 2012 the Department of Health launched "Preventing Suicide in England: a cross-government outcomes strategy to save lives."
It aims to reduce the suicide rate and improve support for those affected by suicide.
The new strategy outlines six areas for action, including a plan to reduce the risk of suicide in key high-risk groups, reducing access to the means of suicide, and supporting research, data collection and monitoring.
The ONS data revealed there were 4,552 suicides by men in 2011, more than double the number by women and the highest rate since 2002.
Male suicide rates increased in the 1980s, with the average rate among all age groups peaking at 21.9 deaths per 100,000 population in 1988.
Fewer men killed themselves between 1988 and 2010, though the average rate rose in 1998 and 1999.
After more than a decade of falling suicide rates in males, the rate increased significantly between 2010 and 2011, from 17 to 18.2 deaths per 100,000 population.
In Wales, the suicide rate has increased by about 30% in two years. Out of 100,000 men, 22.5 killed themselves in 2011 compared to 16.2 in England and 13.2 in London.
Suicides among women in 2011 stood at 1,493, with the average number of deaths across all female age groups falling over the past 31 years.
Women aged between 45 and 59 were the most likely to take their own life. Suicides rates have been consistently lower in females than in males over the past three decades.
When the ONS began keeping records of deaths by suicide in 1981, some 4,129 men and 2,466 women took their own lives.