News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

Depression-main_article_image.jpg
Wikimedia Commons
UK News

Christian MP calls for change amid 'unacceptable' suicide rates

by Aaron James

Andrew Selous spoke after the Health Select Committee of MPs, which he's a part of, found there were 4,800 recorded suicides in England in 2015 - though, the group said there were probably significantly more in reality.

The Committee said around a third of those had seen a GP before taking their own life, but they weren't referred to a mental health specialist.

Suicide is the biggest killer of men under the age of 45 in the UK.

It's recommending better suicide prevention training for GPs, for the different parts of the NHS to work and communicate more quickly, and for more non-medical treatments to be prescribed - for example, joining a sports or community group to improve a person's happiness.

MPs are also calling on people to look out for others who may be struggling in life and offer help where they can.

The government's pledged an extra £25 million over the next three years towards suicide prevention.

Speaking on Premier's News Hour, Andrew Selous: "We heard some really tragic stories of people who had gone to seek help at Accident and Emergency, the letter had been maybe sent second-class a couple of days later to their GP, by which time it was already too late - that person had already taken their own lives."

Asked what his prayer was moving forward, Selous added: "Just that the numbers would come down hugely and that people would realise there is hope.

"People take their own lives when they don't have any hope for the future and that's just such a tragic and unnecessary state of mind to be in."

Listen to Premier's Aaron James speaking to Andrew Selous MP on the News Hour:

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate