AN MSP has raised concern over the number of people taking their own life in the Kingdom.

Alex Rowley MSP has highlighted the issue after Fife was revealed to have the second highest increase of male suicide rates in Scotland.

According to the data, men and those in deprived areas are most at risk.

In Fife, the number of suicides increased from 32 in 2022 to 45 in 2023, a rise of more than 40 per cent and the second-highest increase of any health board area in Scotland.

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Mr Rowley said: “Behind every one of these numbers are people and their loved ones. Suicide is a preventable tragedy that touches communities the length and breadth of Scotland.

“My thoughts go out to all the family and friends of those who have lost someone that has taken their own life.

“I am concerned by the rise we have seen here in Fife and have written to NHS Fife to find out what they believe are the reasons for such a high increase in our area."

He went on: “While suicide is extremely complex and most of the time there is no single event or factor that leads someone to take their own life, we need to examine why there has been a significant increase in Fife compared with other areas.”

By age, the most at-risk group are those aged 25 to 44. 

It is the second year in a row that numbers have gone up, bringing the total number of deaths to suicide in Scotland over the last decade to 7,505 - with 495 in Fife.

Mr Rowley added: “Access to mental health services plays a role, and while I welcome that the numbers of people waiting for access to psychological therapies has come down slightly over the past year in Fife, far too many are still stuck on waiting lists.

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“We need to understand why male suicide rates are so high in Fife, and why we have seen one of the highest increases in Scotland.

“Suicide can be a sensitive topic to talk about, but we need to talk about it and make sure people know support is available.

“Samaritans are available – 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.”

Commenting on the figures for Fife, Fiona McKay, Interim Director of Fife Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “Fife still sits below the Scottish average, but it’s important to remember behind these statistics someone has lost their life and there are families and communities who are bereaved.

“Any death by suicide is devastating and our condolences go out to all friends, families and workers who have lost someone. Suicide prevention is everyone’s business.

"The reasons behind an individual taking their own life are complex so bringing people and partner organisations together is the key to our approach in Fife.

“And we intend to continue to strengthen our existing collaboration and network with organisations including the Samaritans, NHS Fife, Police Scotland, Fife Council and Fife Voluntary Action to do all we can now as well as identifying new ways to help people who need us.

“The Partnership’s Integration Joint Board also recently approved our multi-agency Suicide Prevention Action plan called Creating Hope For Fife, which details the work we will carry out and the priorities for the next three years. 

"This includes a range of activities including training and development for staff during the upcoming Suicide Prevention Awareness Week in September.

“We want anyone in crisis to know they are not alone and that there is a team of people and organisations across the Kingdom there for them - today and every day of the year.”