Male Suicide and International Men’s Day

Male suicide

According to ONS data published in February 2015:

• 6,233 suicides of people aged 15 and over were registered in the UK in 2013, 252 more than in 2012 (a 4% increase) 
• The UK suicide rate was 11.9 deaths per 100,000 population in 2013. The male suicide rate was more than three times higher than the female rate, with 19.0 male deaths per 100,000 compared to 5.1 female deaths

In September 2012, the Government published the Suicide Prevention Strategy for England: A cross-government outcomes strategy to save lives. The strategy set out plans for reducing suicide rates and supporting people affected by suicide.

The Government identified young and middle-aged men as a high-risk group, and therefore a priority for suicide prevention.

International Men’s Day

The theme for International Men’s Day 2015 is, ‘Make a Difference for Men and Boys’, and will focus on issues such as:

• Life expectancy
• High suicide rate
• Violence against men and boys
• Education
• Parenting