The number of deaths by suicide in London has jumped by 10 per cent in a decade, new figures show, as charities urge the public to "ditch the stigma" of mental health on World Suicide Prevention Day.
A total of 570 people took their own life in the capital in 2023, up from 516 ten years before, analysis of figures from the Office for National Statistics shows.
Meanwhile the national suicide rate is at its highest level in two decades, with 6,069 suicides registered in England and Wales in 2023, up from 5,642 in 2022.
The figures come as the Samaritans and other campaigners called on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to develop a "clear plan of action" on suicide prevention.
The leading charity said there remains a "taboo" when it comes to speaking about suicide, despite figures showing that one in five people will experience suicidal thoughts in their lifetime.
Julie Bentley, CEO of Samaritans, said: "Suicide rates are at their highest in more than 20 years and we are still waiting to hear from the government about what they are going to do to reverse this. We will not stand for more silence on the issue.
“This World Suicide Prevention Day, the Prime Minister needs to speak up and demonstrate his commitment to suicide prevention with a clear plan of action before more lives are lost.”
She said while discussing mental health has become more common, there “is still a taboo when it comes to suicide that is costing people their lives”.
A Department for Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “Every suicide is a tragedy, and World Suicide Prevention Day is an important reminder of why we need to take action.
“We will fix our broken mental health services. As part of our mission to reduce the lives lost to suicide, the 8,500 new mental health workers we will recruit will be specially trained to support people at risk.
“Our plans to put mental health support in every school and walk-in hubs in every community will help prevent mental health issues from becoming more serious.”
Samaritans can be contacted for free, 24/7, on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org
