For the first time in six years, the suicide rate in the UK has risen according to new data published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) today.

In response to the rise, Brian Dow, deputy CEO of Rethink Mental Illness and co-chair of the National Suicide Prevention Alliance said,

“Anyone looking at today’s statistics should be deeply concerned by what they represent. In 2018 there were 600 more recorded suicides. Hundreds more deaths, leaving behind devastated families. It is a jolting reminder of how much more work needs to be done; of how many more people need help.

“This increase raises so many questions which require further research. However, what we do know though is that there are always constants; risk factors like a struggling economy in which people can’t find the jobs to properly support themselves and/or develop debt, or quick access to support when they do develop suicidal thoughts. Whatever the reason, there’s one thing that’s abundantly clear. The help that people need is not reaching everyone.”

For more information on how to support someone experiencing suicidal thoughts, you can find out more here.