UK sees rise in suicides

2011 saw a significant rise in the number of people in the UK taking their own life, according to new figures.

According to the Office for National Statistics, some 6,045 people committed suicide in 2011, up by 437 on the previous year.

An average of 11.8 people per 100,000 population ended their lives in 2011, more than 11.1 people in 2010.

Men between the ages of 30 and 44 were most likely to take their own life.

Figures from the ONS reveal that the rate of suicides among men in 2011 was the highest since 2002, with 4,552 men committing suicide.

The suicide rate among women was far lower, with 1,493 women killing themselves in 2011. The average number of suicides among women fell across all age categories in the last three decades.

The 2010 and 2011 figures among men brought an end to more than 10 years of falling suicide rates.

News
Archbishop of Canterbury calls for peace in first Easter sermon
Archbishop of Canterbury calls for peace in first Easter sermon

Dame Sarah Mullally has used her first Easter Day sermon as Archbishop of Canterbury to renew calls for peace in the Middle East. 

Easter Sunday and the hope of resurrection
Easter Sunday and the hope of resurrection

The hope of the resurrection is especially precious in a world filled with grief, violence, uncertainty, and pain.

Activists warn Syriacs being erased in Syria
Activists warn Syriacs being erased in Syria

The Syriacs are mostly Christian.

New Iraq report urges stronger action to protect Christians and other religious minorities
New Iraq report urges stronger action to protect Christians and other religious minorities

Jim Shannon MP said the report records both “the progress observed” and “the ongoing challenges” that remain for religious minorities seeking to live in safety and freedom in Iraq.