England & Wales Suicide Trends: A 2024 Deep Dive

The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) paint a stark and troubling picture of suicide in England and Wales. The 2024 data reveals a continued crisis, particularly for men, and highlights significant shifts across different age groups and regions. While the overall numbers show a slight increase, a deeper look reveals specific areas of urgent concern that demand our immediate attention and action.

At Tough To Talk, we are committed to confronting the harsh realities of male suicide. These statistics are not just numbers; they represent fathers, sons, brothers, and friends. This report breaks down the key findings from the ONS data to foster understanding and drive the conversation toward actionable solutions.

The Overall Picture: 2023 vs. 2024

The ONS report shows an increase in the number of suicides registered in England and Wales. This shift highlights a persistent and deeply concerning issue that is unlikely to go away.

• Total Suicides: The total number of suicides rose from 6,069 in 2023 to 6,190 in 2024.

• Suicide Rate: This corresponds to a slight increase in the suicide rate, from 11.3 per 100,000 people in 2023 to 11.4 per 100,000 in 2024.

  
  

While these overall figures appear stable, they mask the more dramatic and alarming trends happening within specific demographics.

The Gender Divide: Men Remain Most at Risk

Men continue to be disproportionately affected by suicide. The data shows that men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women, a devastating statistic that has remained stubbornly consistent for decades.

• Male Suicides: The number of men dying by suicide increased from 4,506 in 2023 to 4,599 in 2024.

• Male Suicide Rate: The rate for men rose from 17.4 to 17.6 per 100,000.

• Female Suicides: In comparison, the number of female suicides saw a smaller increase from 1,563 to 1,591, while the suicide rate remained unchanged at 5.7 per 100,000.

This gender gap is not an accident. It is a reflection of societal pressures, ingrained stigmas, and a collective failure to provide men with the safe spaces they need to seek support. Traditional notions of masculinity often discourage men from showing vulnerability or admitting they are struggling, leading them to suffer in silence until it is too late. We must dismantle these barriers and create a culture where reaching out is seen as a sign of strength, not weakness.

An Alarming Rise in Suicides Among Middle-Aged Men

When we examine the data by age, a distressing trend emerges. Men aged 45-64 now have the highest suicide rate of any group.

• Highest Rate: The 45-64 age group saw the highest number of suicides in both 2023 (2,283) and 2024 (2,316).

• Increasing Rate: The suicide rate for this group climbed from 14.8 to 15.0 per 100,000 people.

This generation of men often faces a unique combination of pressures, including financial responsibilities, career stress, relationship breakdowns, and becoming a "sandwich generation" caring for both aging parents and children. These life challenges, combined with a reluctance to seek help, create a high-risk environment. It is critical that we provide targeted support for men navigating these difficult middle years.

The data also shows a worrying increase in suicides among the 25-44 age group, which rose from 2,175 in 2023 to 2,250 in 2024. This highlights the urgent need for mental health support across all stages of a man's life.

Regional Disparities: A Postcode Lottery of Pain

Where a person lives has a significant impact on their risk of suicide. The ONS data reveals stark regional differences, with the North East of England consistently showing the highest suicide rate.

• Highest Regional Rate: The North East recorded the highest rate in 2024 at 15.1 per 100,000, an increase from 14.4 in 2023.

• Significant Increases: Yorkshire and The Humber also saw a notable increase, with the rate jumping from 12.2 to 13.7 per 100,000.

• Notable Decrease: In contrast, the North West experienced a welcome decrease in its suicide rate, falling from 14.7 to 13.7 per 100,000.

These disparities are often linked to socioeconomic factors, including unemployment, deprivation, and access to mental health services. The high rates in areas like the North East point to a need for targeted regional investment and community-based initiatives to address the root causes of despair.

What This Means and How We Move Forward

The 2024 ONS data is a call to action. It shows that while progress has been made in some areas, we are failing to protect our most vulnerable men. The continued high rate of male suicide, particularly among the middle-aged, is a national tragedy that demands a robust and coordinated response.

At Tough To Talk, we are on the front lines of this crisis. We work with organisations to transform their workplaces into safe spaces where men can find support without judgment. We provide training and resources that equip people with the tools to spot the signs of distress and have life-saving conversations.

The data is clear: we need to do more.

• For Individuals: Check in on the men in your life. Ask how they are really doing and be prepared to listen. Our support hub offers resources to help you identify when a loved one might need extra support.

• For Businesses: You have a vital role to play. By partnering with us, you can equip your organisation with the tools and confidence needed to support male employees and create a culture of psychological safety.

• For Society: We must challenge the outdated stigmas that keep men silent. We need to amplify the message that it's okay not to be okay and that help is available.

These statistics from the ONS are more than just data points. They are a solemn reminder of the work that lies ahead. By raising awareness, fostering understanding, and taking decisive action, we can turn the tide and create a better, safer future for men and boys across the country.

Sournces

ONS Suicide England and Wales dataset 2024 - Suicides in England and Wales - Office for National Statistics

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Meta Title: UK Suicide Trends 2024: A Deep Dive into the ONS Data

Meta Description: The latest 2024 ONS data reveals a continued crisis in male suicide. Explore our analysis of the trends by age, gender, and region in England and Wales.