Portsmouth suicide rate “significantly” higher than national average
Portsmouth’s suicide rate is the highest local rate since 2001–3, according to Portsmouth City Council.
Portsmouth had an average of 14.1 deaths by suicide per 100,000 people between 2013–15, compared with the national average of 10 people.
Around 24 people take their own lives each year in the city, 78% of them male. Earlier this year Portsmouth City Council launched a Suicide Prevention Action Plan for 2018–2021.
The plan includes strategies for health and wellbeing, anti-bullying, poverty and other issues facing Portsmouth’s mental health crisis.
One of the mental health clinics in Portsmouth helping to battle these statistics is Zumos, who aim to make individuals feel supported in their everyday life.
Gary Siva, Chief Executive, said: “Zumos was developed to be a disruptor by challenging the behaviour of only responding to crisis.
“We have collaborated with Solent NHS to develop Zumos, and are in communication with Portsmouth City Council to develop our Feel-Good Portsmouth Campaign.
“With funding and resources being so stretched it is the collaborative broad-spectrum approach that will have the greatest impact and until every individual feel supported, we can always do more to help.”
