Stephen Morgan MP has thrown his support behind NHS Southern Health’s ‘Every life matters’ campaign on World Suicide Prevention Day.
The campaign focuses on not only on reaching high-risk groups of people, but also sharing the message that suicide can impact anyone.
According to the Office of National Statistics, there were 5,224 suicides registered in England and Wales in 2020, with over three-quarters being male.
Twelve suicides were also reported in the Portsmouth area during the same period, with the South East having a slightly higher suicide rate (deaths per 100,000) of 10.6, compared to the wider average in England and Wales of 10.
It comes amid concerns about the impacts multiple lockdowns and time spent in isolation over the past 18 months could have on people’s mental health.
Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan said:
“The amount of time spent indoors, fixed to our screens and many of us cut-off from our family and friends over the last 18 months can only be a bad thing for our mental health.
“It’s really important that we understand and spread the message that anyone can be impacted by suicide or may be struggling, which makes creating hope through conversation such an important part of suicide prevention.
“That’s why I’m proud to support NHS Southern Health’s ‘Every life matters’ campaign which recognises this, and I encourage everyone to create hope through conversation.”
Please visit NHS Southern Health’s website for a range of contacts if you are struggling with your mental health here.
