Westmorland and Furness Council's Health and Wellbeing Board endorsed a multi-agency suicide prevention action plan on Monday, September 30.

The plan, developed by the Cumbria Suicide Prevention Leadership Group, aims to reduce suicides and attempted suicides as well as improve support for those self-harming or who are bereaved or affected by suicide.

Between January 2020 and December 2023, 303 people in Cumbria died by suspected suicide, with 44 per cent of these deaths occurring in Westmorland and Furness.

The rate of suicide in Westmorland and Furness, at 15.5 deaths per 100,000 population, is significantly higher than the national average of 10.7 deaths per 100,000 (according to data published by the Office for National Statistics (2021-2023)).

Westmorland and Furness has the third highest rate in the North West (comparing upper tier/unitary authorities), with only Cumberland (19.0 per 100,000) and Blackpool (16.7 per 100,000) having higher rates.

The Health and Wellbeing Board in Westmorland and Furness will oversee the implementation of the action plan, which will be reviewed and refreshed annually.

For more information about where to get help if you are struggling with thoughts of suicide, or how you can support someone at risk, or if you have been bereaved by suicide, visit every-life-matters.org.uk

When life is difficult, Samaritans are here – day or night, 365 days a year.

You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.