Report by Duncan Williams for Pulman's Weekly News
Devon’s suicide rate is significantly higher than the England average, with almost three-quarters of those who die by suicide in the county being men.
Ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day on 10th September, Public Health Devon is urging residents to help change the narrative around suicide by being prepared to recognise when someone may be struggling, start difficult conversations and know where to find help.
The county’s suicide rate currently stands at 13.5 deaths per 100,000 people, significantly above the England average.
The figures underline why suicide prevention remains a major public health issue in Devon, while the fact that almost three-quarters of deaths are among men reflects a wider national pattern.
This year’s World Suicide Prevention Day theme, “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”, is intended to encourage more open and honest conversations about suicide, with the aim of reducing stigma and making it easier for people to seek help when they need it.
Steve Brown, Director of Public Health and Communities at Devon County Council, said the responsibility for suicide prevention extended beyond health professionals.
“World Suicide Prevention Day is an important opportunity to remind people that suicide prevention is everybody’s business,” he said.
“We know that talking openly about suicide and mental health can feel difficult, but those conversations can make a real difference. By taking the time to listen, show compassion and connect someone with support, we can help people feel less alone.
“Across Devon, we are working with partners to improve understanding of suicide, reduce stigma and improve access to support. We want people to know that help is available and that every one of us can play a role in creating a more supportive, understanding and connected community.”
For Devon, the issue also has a particular rural dimension.
The county is predominantly rural and Public Health Devon says isolation and loneliness can be a reality for many people, particularly within farming communities where suicide rates remain a serious concern.
Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, Communities and Equality, said recent pressures on farming families had added to concerns about wellbeing.
“Suicide can affect anyone, and its impact can be devastating for families, friends and communities,” she said.
“As a predominantly rural county, we know that isolation and loneliness can be a reality for many people across Devon, particularly within our farming communities where suicide rates remain a serious concern.
“Recent challenges such as the drought and bluetongue have put additional pressure on farmers and rural families, and at times it can feel overwhelming, but they have also encouraged more conversations about wellbeing and the importance of supporting one another.”
She urged people not to underestimate the value of simply making contact with someone who may be struggling.
“I’d encourage everyone to check in with their neighbours, friends and family, and not be afraid to talk openly about how they’re feeling,” she said.
“Sometimes all it takes is picking up the phone to a trusted friend or supportive person, having a conversation and knowing you’re not alone.”
She also highlighted the work of organisations such as the Farming Community Network, which provides support to people within farming communities.
The emphasis on conversation is central to this year’s suicide prevention campaign. Public Health Devon is encouraging residents to learn how to recognise when someone may be struggling and to develop the confidence to have a supportive conversation.
Free Zero Suicide Alliance awareness training is available, alongside more advanced training including Connect 5, Youth Connect 5 and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training.
The council is also promoting its “It’s OK to Talk About Suicide” guide and a Safety Plan resource, which helps people identify warning signs, coping strategies and sources of support during difficult periods or a mental health crisis.
The wider message from Devon’s public health leaders is that suicide prevention cannot depend solely on someone reaching the point of contacting a formal service.
Neighbours, friends, relatives and colleagues may be among the people who first notice that someone is struggling, making awareness and the confidence to start a conversation an important part of the wider prevention effort.
Public Health Devon is also promoting its Five Ways to Wellbeing, encouraging people to stay active, maintain connections with others, take notice, learn new skills and give to others as part of maintaining positive mental wellbeing.
Local partners are continuing to work together to increase awareness, reduce stigma, improve access to support and equip communities with the skills to help people who may be struggling.
The message ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day is therefore deliberately simple: talking about suicide does not have to begin with having all the answers.
Sometimes it can begin with noticing that someone is not themselves, picking up the phone, asking how they really are and being prepared to listen.
For a county where the suicide rate remains significantly above the national average, those conversations are being presented as part of the wider effort to prevent deaths and ensure that people do not feel they have to face difficult circumstances alone.
More information about suicide prevention, free training, the Safety Plan and local mental health support is available through Devon County Council’s Public Health webpages.
( Photos: Unsplash 📸 )