It comes as the rate of registered suicide deaths across England and Wales reached the highest level in more than two decades. The Samaritans described the latest figures as "shocking", and said the situation should be treated as a "public health crisis". The charity called on the Government to take action in the upcoming October budget.
The figures were ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10. Organised by the International Association for Suicide Prevention and the World Health Organization, World Suicide Prevention Day takes place on September 10 every year and sees people come together around the world to raise awareness of the issue. Office for National Statistics data shows six suicide deaths were registered in Basingstoke and Deane last year – down from 10 in 2022.
In 2019, before the coronavirus pandemic, 10 suicides were also registered in the area. Nationally, the number of suicides registered increased by 8 per cent from 5,642 to 6,069, the equivalent of 11.4 deaths per 100,000 people, which was the highest rate seen since 1999.
Figures are based on deaths registered in each calendar year, rather than the date the death occurred. Jacqui Morrissey, from Samaritans, said the figures were "even worse than expected". She added: "The autumn Budget is a chance for this Government to break its silence and commit to proper investment for suicide prevention with the same ambition that we have seen drive down smoking rates.
"These figures are the final wake-u.