FEWER suicide deaths were registered in Test Valley last year, despite an increase nationally, new figures show.

It comes as the rate of registered suicide deaths across England and Wales reached the highest level in more than two decades.

The Samaritans described the latest figures as "shocking", and said the situation should be treated as a "public health crisis". The charity called on the Government to take action in the upcoming October budget.

The figures were published ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10.

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Organised by the International Association for Suicide Prevention and the World Health Organization, World Suicide Prevention Day takes place on September 10 every year and sees people come together around the world to raise awareness of the issue.

Office for National Statistics data shows eight suicide deaths were registered in Test Valley last year – down from 16 in 2022.

In 2019, before the coronavirus pandemic, 11 suicides were registered in the area.

Nationally, the number of suicides registered increased by 8% from 5,642 to 6,069, the equivalent of 11.4 deaths per 100,000 people, which was the highest rate seen since 1999.

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Figures are based on deaths registered in each calendar year, rather than the date the death occurred.

Jacqui Morrissey, from Samaritans, said the figures were "even worse than expected".

She added: "The autumn Budget is a chance for this Government to break its silence and commit to proper investment for suicide prevention with the same ambition that we have seen drive down smoking rates.

"These figures are the final wake-up call: suicide is preventable but not without real action."

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On October 30, Chancellor Rachel Reeves will deliver the first autumn Budget under the new Labour government, where she is expected to ask Whitehall departments to find further savings.

Ms Morrisey also highlighted a growing regional divide. The North West had the highest suicide rate at 14.7 deaths per 100,000 people, more than double London's rate of 7.3 per 100,000.

Suicide rates locally are calculated over a three-year rolling average. In Test Valley, 10.1 suicides per 100,000 people were registered between 2021 and 2023.

She added: "Local areas must not be left scrabbling around for the funding they need to save lives."

There was also inequality between men and women, with males making up around three-quarters of suicides nationally.

Readers who wish to talk to The Samaritans can call 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org