Legal News

New figures from the London Assembly Health Committee show that, every week, an average of 14 Londoners choose to end their own lives.

Between 2014 and 2015, the number of suicides in London increased by 33%, from 552 to 735 incidents – the highest figure recorded by the Office for National Statistics since records began in 2002.

The London Assembly said that three-quarters of people who commit suicide in London are male and suicide remains the biggest killer among men of working age.

The figures show that the inner London boroughs of Camden, Hammersmith & Fulham, Islington and Southwark all have suicide rates at least 25% higher than the London average.

The London Assembly Health Committee has made recommendations to the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan on how he can provide better support for suicide prevention in the capital. Suggestions include aiming to make London a “zero suicide” city, a measure first adopted by the US city of Detroit, whereby suicide risk is reduced by creating an open environment for people to talk and find out where they can obtain help.

The committee also said the Mayor should deliver on his manifesto commitment and take ownership of reducing suicide in London, working with Public Health England and the Association of Directors of Public Health to collate all suicide data in London.

The recommendations also say that the Mayor should look into real-time data capture, to identify trends and potential clusters and look to carry out a pilot in a London borough, as well as supporting the CALM helpline to remain open, funding for which is due to end in 2017.

Chair of the Health Committee, Dr Onkar Sahota AM, said:

“It is shocking that every week, an average of 14 Londoners choose to end their own lives. Every death is a personal tragedy and has devastating effects not just on family and friends, but also on the wider health service. What is particularly alarming is how the number of suicides in London has grown over the years.

"The Mayor of London promised to take action on preventing suicide in London in his manifesto – and we urge him to do everything in his power to deliver on this. London urgently needs to become a ‘zero suicide’ city.“

Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors

Duncan Lewis is the UK’s largest provider of Legal Aid mental health services and can advise mental health patients on a wide range of issues – including access to NHS mental health services and detention under the Mental Health Act.

Duncan Lewis mental health solicitors regularly visit NHS hospitals to advise on mental health law – and are available across England and Wales at short notice for hospital and police station appointments.

In some cases, Duncan Lewis mental health solicitors may be able to advise the nearest relative or carer of a mental health patient on a range of issues, including initiating treatment reviews where appropriate.

For expert legal advice on mental health law, call the Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors Helpline on 020 3114 1124.