Number of suicide deaths in Watford rises significantly

Office for National Statistics data shows 11 suicide deaths were registered in Watford in 2023 compared to just one the previous year. In 2019, before the pandemic, there were five.

It comes as the rate across England and Wales reached the highest level in more than two decades.

The Samaritans described the figures as "shocking" and said the situation should be treated as a "public health crisis". The charity also called on the government to take action in the upcoming October budget.

New figures have been published ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day next week based on deaths registered in each calendar year. In Watford, 5.2 suicides per 100,000 people were registered between 2021 and 2023.

Jacqui Morrissey, from Samaritans, said the figures were "even worse than expected".

She added: "The autumn budget is a chance for this government to break its silence and commit to proper investment for suicide prevention with the same ambition that we have seen drive down smoking rates.

"These figures are the final wake-up call: suicide is preventable but not without real action."

• Watford drug, alcohol and suicide deaths revealed by data

• Watford woman campaigning for assisted dying to be legal

On October 30, Chancellor Rachel Reeves will deliver Labour's first autumn budget, where she is expected to ask Whitehall departments to find further savings.

She added: "Local areas must not be left scrabbling around for the funding they need to save lives."

There was also inequality between men and women, with males making up around three-quarters of suicides nationally.

A Department for Health and Social Care spokesperson said: "Every suicide is a tragedy, and these figures show a clearly worrying trend, which this government is committed to reversing.

"We know that people with mental health issues are not getting the support or care they need. That’s why we will fix our broken health system to ensure that we give mental health the attention and focus it deserves."

Contact Samaritans for free at any time on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org.