UPDATE: A shocking new report reveals the North East has recorded 375 suspected suicides between April 2024 and March 2025, with a troubling rate of 12.5 per 100,000—above the national average of 11.4 in England and Wales. This urgent finding comes from the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) as they presented their data to local councillors.
The report highlights a critical public health issue, showing that many individuals who took their own lives had a known history of drug or alcohol abuse. Alarmingly, only 50% of those who died were known to mental health services, raising concerns about the accessibility of support.
Statistics reveal that 42% of suspected suicides occurred among individuals aged 40-59, with a significant 74% being male. Most tragic is that 69% of these deaths took place at home, underscoring the need for immediate intervention strategies.
The report breaks down the suicide rates by local authority, showing South Tyneside at a staggering 19.8 per 100,000, followed by Redcar and Cleveland at 14.4 and Cumberland at 13.9. The full list includes:
– South Tyneside – 19.8
– Redcar and Cleveland – 14.4
– Cumberland – 13.9
– Sunderland – 13.5
– Darlington – 13.3
– County Durham – 13.2
– Newcastle – 13.1
– Gateshead – 12.3
– Hartlepool – 11.2
– Northumberland – 10.6
– Westmorland and Furness – 9.1
– North Tyneside – 7.9
– Stockton – 7.3
– Middlesbrough – 7.0
The ICB is actively working on a suicide prevention strategy, which includes training NHS staff and first responders to recognize and mitigate risks. The report serves as a wake-up call for both policymakers and communities to strengthen mental health services and support systems.
If you or someone you know needs help, the suicide prevention charity Samaritans is available day or night, every day of the year. You can reach them for free at 116 123, email at [email protected], or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.
As the North East grapples with this urgent health crisis, the community must come together to address the underlying issues contributing to these tragic losses. The ICB’s findings underscore the necessity for enhanced mental health resources and awareness campaigns to prevent further tragedies.
