Thank you for contacting me about Government action to reduce self-harm and suicide.
Every case of suicide is a tragedy many times over: for the person who could see no way out; for their family and friends, often left with an intolerable burden of guilt; and for society as a whole in its failure to provide greater support.
I also recognise that there are also some clear disparities in suicide rates across the country. Someone is twice as likely to die from suicide in the North East compared to London, and men living in more deprived areas are at 10 times more risk of suicide than in the least deprived areas. The Government is committed to spreading wealth and opportunity across the country, so as well as tackling deprivation where it exists.
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