The Rose Paterson Trust, a charity established by former cabinet minister Owen Paterson, is approaching a significant milestone by distributing nearly £1 million to prevent suicide. The trust is intensifying its efforts as it highlights that the number of recorded suicides has reached its highest level since 1999.
Charity Founded After Personal Tragedy
The trust was created following the suicide of Rose Paterson, the wife of former Conservative minister Owen Paterson, six years ago this month. The family launched the initiative with the goal: “If we can help save just one family from the agony of suicide, this initiative will have been worth it.”
Alarming Statistics and Hope
Mr. Paterson stated: “Roughly every three minutes someone in the UK tries to take their own life; every 90 minutes someone in the UK dies by suicide. However, suicide is preventable. Nine out of 10 people who survive a suicide attempt do not go on to die of suicide. This shows that death by suicide is preventable and is not ‘inevitable’ – a stigma that adversely affects suicide prevention strategies. So, there is hope.”
The charity warns that over the 17 years since 2007, registered suicides have increased by 44%. This year, it is distributing grants totaling £235,000. It estimates that the work of groups receiving grants has “indirectly saved more than 4,000 people.” Beneficiaries include the Beachy Head Chaplaincy Team, Bearded Fishermen, Every Life Matters, Scarborough Survivors, Shropshire Mental Health Support, and Suicide Prevention UK.
Commitment to Prevention
The former Environment Secretary and Northern Ireland Secretary pledged: “I will never stop fighting to prevent other families feeling the heart-wrenching pain that my family has suffered… Considering the long-term effect of inter-generational trauma, one suicide could impact thousands of lives.”
Suicide Rates in England and Wales
In 2024, there were 6,190 suicides registered in England and Wales, a rate of 11.4 per 100,000 people. The rate for men was 17.6, compared to 5.7 for women. The highest rate for men was among those aged 50 to 54 (27.5), while for women, it was highest in the 45-49 age group (7.9). London had the lowest suicide rate (8.3), and the North East had the highest (15.1).
Government Response
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “Every suicide is a tragedy, and our deepest sympathies go out to anyone who has been affected by it. It is vital that anyone struggling with their mental health can access the timely help and support they need. That is why we are increasing funding for mental health services to a record £16.1 billion, improving support for those who have self-harmed or are bereaved by suicide, and have recruited 8,500 mental health workers three years ahead of schedule.”
