September 4, 2019 12.27 pm This story is over 53 months old

Lincoln marks highest suicide rate for nearly 20 years

The Samaritans has described the national picture as “extremely worrying”

Lincoln has seen the highest suicide rate since 2002, with as many as 20 people tragically taking their own lives in the last year alone.

New figures released by the Office for National Statistics also revealed how, in 2018, 87 people took their own lives in Lincolnshire.

The Samaritans charity described the national picture as “extremely worrying,” and added that “every single one of these deaths is a tragedy that devastates families, friends and communities.”

Across the whole of the country, the number of people taking their own lives increased by 11.8% from 6,507 to 5,821. That is the first increase in the suicide rate since 2013.

Particular concerns were raised by the ONS over the number of young people under the age of 24 taking their own lives, with the overall rate reaching a 19 year high last year.

There are also concerns over the proportion of men who died by suicide, as males made up 75% of the 6,507 deaths last year

The suicide rates in Lincoln. Source: Office for National Statistics

The figures are based on all deaths from intentional self-harm for children over 10-years-old and where the intent of death was undetermined for those aged over 15-years-old.

Samaritans CEO Ruth Sutherland said: “It is extremely worrying that for the first time in five years, the suicide rate in the UK has increased, with 686 more deaths than in 2017.

“In particular, in recent years the rate of suicide in young people has increased, and the suicide rate in young females under-25 is now the highest on record.

“Whilst the overall rise has only been seen this year, and we hope it is not the start of a longer-term trend, it’s crucial to have a better understanding of why there has been such an increase.”

Anyone who is struggling to cope can call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or get in touch online by clicking or tapping here.