Investigation Launched into Cumbria’s High Suicide Rates

An initiative has commenced to understand why specific areas of Cumbria experience some of the highest suicide rates nationwide. The Cumberland Council area recorded the second-highest rate of death by suicide across England and Wales, according to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Researchers from Liverpool John Moores University will engage with adults who have experienced suicidal thoughts or who have lost family members to suicide, with the expectation that this will lead to improved mental health support. Kate Bainbridge, from Penrith, whose son Ben passed away in 2014, expressed her approval of the study, adding: “We live in a rural area; isolation and loneliness have got to be playing a part in this, and also it’s a huge stigma.” Within the council’s jurisdiction, 133 individuals died by suicide between January 2021 and December 2023, as reported by the ONS. The Labour-led Cumberland Council commissioned this research, with funding for the project supplied by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority. An online survey is accessible to all residents aged over 18 living in the area. The council indicated that the research will investigate residents’ exposure to suicide, how it has impacted their lives, and, for those who have contemplated suicide, the underlying reasons. It further noted that researchers aim to discern what factors could or would have enabled them to make alternative choices. Ms Bainbridge is a co-founder of Every Life Matters, a suicide prevention charity operating in Cumbria. She stated that encouraging people to discuss suicidal thoughts would prompt more individuals to seek assistance, remarking: “We still don’t talk about it, do we?” Colin Cox, director of public health and communities, commented that suicide rates in the area are “far too high.” He added: “By better understanding the situation in Cumberland, we can start to make a difference for people and help them get the support they need.” Support services are also being provided in the Westmorland and Furness Council area, which similarly exhibits a higher-than-average suicide rate. According to ONS figures, Darlington in Teesside is the council area with the highest rate of death by suicide. If you have been affected by the subjects in this report, help and support are available via the BBC Action Line. Follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Send your story ideas to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.