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<\/p>\nThe rate of suicides in Bristol is higher than the national average<\/p>\n
The reasons behind suicide are complex (stock image)(Image: Getty Images\/iStockphoto)<\/p>\n
Almost every week on average one person in Bristol dies by suicide however there is now a renewed focus on preventing deaths. The latest figures show that in 2024 there were 48 suicides, with men making up more than twice the number of deaths than women in most years.<\/p>\n
Bristol has a higher rate of suicides than the national average, with 13.1 deaths a year per 100,000 people, compared to the English rate of 10.9, although this is similar to other large cities. Free training is available<\/a> to help prevent deaths and know how to talk to people who are at risk.<\/p>\n The latest suicide prevention strategy<\/a> sets out the work needed over the next five years. This was approved by the city\u2019s health and wellbeing board, which brings together Bristol City Council<\/a>, local NHS<\/a> leaders and the voluntary sector. This also hopes to prevent all suicides.<\/p>\n Liberal Democrat Councillor Stephen Williams, chair of the health and wellbeing board, said: \u201cSuicide is a sensitive and complex subject, and every person lost is a tragedy for those left behind. This is why we want everyone to be offered timely access to the right support when they are struggling.<\/p>\n \u201cImportantly, this updated strategy is not about organisations working alone. It\u2019s about everyone working together, across sectors and communities, to make a real difference to people when they need it and to help save more lives.\u201d<\/p>\n Completing the free 30-minute online training course, led by Zero Suicide Alliance, could help save a life. This explores risk factors, warning signs, and how to talk to somebody struggling with thoughts of suicide. Training is also available for supporting strangers, people with autism, veterans and university students. Over 20,000 in Bristol have already taken this online training.<\/p>\n Elsewhere, the strategy will bring extra focus on preventing suicides for people at risk, such as those struggling with gambling and debt, escaping domestic violence or facing homelessness. Barriers will be installed at high-risk sites, with more \u201chelp is available\u201d signs put up there too. Over the past 15 years the number of suicides in Bristol has stayed stable, an average of 48.<\/p>\n Simply talking about the problem should \u201cnever be underestimated\u201d, according to Marty, who shared his account of losing two friends to suicide, in the foreword to the strategy. Both men died during the pandemic, devastating their friends and family.<\/p>\n Marty, who didn\u2019t provide his surname, said: \u201cEvery situation is going to be unique to the individual, but we know that talking about one\u2019s problems does help in so many ways. The one thing I think would have helped my friends, and the people around them, was a better understanding of the risks.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd if you are reading this thinking, \u2018that\u2019s great but I could never talk to someone about suicide\u2019, I understand. That\u2019s how I felt at first, but I gave it a go and it wasn\u2019t scary, it didn\u2019t go badly, and I feel much closer to the people who have allowed me the privilege of listening to them as they open up.\u201d<\/p>\n Risk factors include gambling, domestic abuse, sexual violence, drug use, poverty and loneliness. Protective factors on the other hand include access to education and employment, strong social networks and feeling part of a community. Reducing the stigma around suicide, which is a difficult topic to talk about, forms a key part of the strategy.<\/p>\n Elsewhere, monitoring and data has improved, with suspected suicides highlighted among public sector organisations quickly. Staff working at known hotspots have received training to identify and engage people who might be considering suicide, and are also supported after traumatic events. Awareness training is also available for university staff and students too.<\/p>\n\n