REGISTERED SUICIDE RATES BOUNCE BACK TO ALARMINGLY HIGH

• A recent ONS report reveals a rise in registered suicides across England and Wales
• 1 in 10 men across the UK have admitted to not staying in touch with their friend’s post-pandemic
• Globally, on average, 1 man dies by suicide every minute of every day
• Movember is encouraging men to stay connected this World Suicide Prevention Day and beyond, despite the impacts of Covid-19

According to the latest Office for National Statistics report, the registered suicides in England and Wales has risen to pre-pandemic levels, with three-quarters (4,129) of the suicides registered in 2021 accounting for males.

1 in 10 men across the UK have also admitted to not staying in touch with their friend’s post-pandemic, according to further research from YouGov* commissioned by the leading men’s health charity, Movember.

Sarah Coghlan, Global Director of Men’s Health Promotion, said: “We are deeply concerned by these latest figures which are further evidence of the monumental amount of work that needs to be done. Movember’s work in mental health focuses on prevention and early intervention which, evidence shows, can have a positive impact on men at risk of poor mental health and suicide. We know from our own research that younger, less affluent men experienced poorer wellbeing, and significantly higher levels of psychological distress compared to all men.

This weekend marks World Suicide Prevention Day - a yearly event that focuses on raising awareness around suicide prevention. At Movember, “We have been working with other organisations to input into a new Government led national suicide prevention plan, and support the Samaritans statement that anything less than achieving the lowest national suicide rate in history will be ‘accepting failure’ and so we need to act now,” says Sarah.

Staying connected with friends, despite the impacts of Covid-19, is crucial. Urging men to regularly make time to meet up with their mates, whether in real life, or virtually is just one of many ways to boost mental health and wellbeing.

Tracy Herd, Director of Global Program Implementation, Mental Health and Suicide Prevention at Movember said: “Globally, one man dies from suicide every minute. That’s over half a million fathers, partners, brothers and friends each year. It’s one of the biggest public health challenges of our time. Just in the UK alone, almost three out of four suicides are men, but how and why suicides happen is incredibly complex. What we do know is that by helping men to establish better social connections, it can improve their overall wellbeing and reduce the risk of suicide. “The basis of a friendship is to value one another, whether that is liking a similar sport, or sharing the love of cooking or seeing a favourite band, says Tracy. We need friendships just like we need food, water and oxygen.”

To help build the confidence of those wanting to support the men in their lives who might be struggling with staying connected, Movember has created Movember Conversations The free interactive digital tool presents a number of scenarios relevant to today’s world. It uses simulated conversations to explore and practice how anyone might navigate a difficult conversation with someone they care about.

In addition, here are six health habits men can implement to support their wellbeing:

1. Doing activities that give you purpose and meaning. Remember to take time for yourself and do the things you love to do, and that makes you happy.
2. Spend time with people who make you feel positive. We want men to stay connected. Your mates are important and spending time with them is good for you. Catch up regularly, check in and make time.
3. Talk to people you trust when times get tough. Confiding in a friend or family member is an opportunity to express our feelings and seek the support we need. Try communicating over a cup of tea or a stroll in the park.
4. Increase physical activity. Frequent exercise can reduce anxiety and stress and improve overall self-esteem and cognitive function. Even if it’s taking a walking meeting, parking further away from the station. Getting off the bus a stop or two earlier. Instead of the lift, take the stairs. Cycle to work instead of driving.
5. Support others in bad times. You don’t need to be an expert and you don’t have to be the sole solution, but being there for someone, listening and giving your time can be life-saving.
6. Speak to a health professional when you need to. There are a whole range of organisations that are available to offer practical and emotional support visit movember.com/mens-health/get-support. Or if you need immediate support, contact NHS 111 on 111 or contact Samaritans on 116 123.

* All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2,029 adults, of whom 966 were male. Fieldwork was undertaken between 24th -25th May 2022. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).