Wolverhampton's Glimmer of Light- Suicides

Suicide is a desperate measure and one that is terribly upsetting for close family and friends. I thought hard and long about making this information public. But decided that it should be viewed.

I have been asking questions for some time now about the impact of suicide on Wolverhampton. I can report today that
there is a glimmer of light in Wolverhampton where recent statistics point to the fact that suicide mortality in this City is going down. Indeed the suicide martality rate in 2010-2012 was 9.2% per 100,000 population. This is lower than England and Wales rate of 10.3% and lower than Wolverhampton’s peer local authorities. Information provided to me shows that there is a downward trend in suicide mortality since 2003. This has to be seen as good news for this City. But even this news will not lessen the grief felt by families that have to face up to the situation.

Suicide is a painful action for everyone left behind.

City Public Health officials inform me that Suicide mortality in Wolverhampton shows that the recent fall in suicide deaths has been sustained and the rate in Wolverhampton is now below the West Midlands and England and Wales averages. Therefore, suicide as a specific issue is not currently highlighted as one of Wolverhampton’s key priorities in its Joint Strategic Needs Assessment, or Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy priorities, although mental health is one of the key strategic priority areas.

I am not convinced that taking the issue out of the priority arrangements is the right decision.....but I am happy and will debate it with officials over the next few months.

Obviously as I represent Wednesfield North and I had a particular interest in figures for Wednesfield North. Public Health Officials tell me that figures for suicides are not routinely available at Ward level due to the extremely small numbers that can be involved; however, the department combined City data over a five year period showing that between 2008 and 2012, there were 110 years of life lost due to suicides amongst residents of Wednesfield North aged between 15 and 75. To put this into context, this figure is in the middle range of values across the City wards and so is not amongst the higher figures in Wolverhampton. Theparishcentre At Ward level the highest years of life lost from suicides include Bushbury South and Lowhill, HeathTown, Park Graisley and Merry Hill.