WIREDGOV

The government has published the first cross-government suicide prevention plan, which will help reduce deaths in England by focusing on how social media & the latest technology can identify those most at risk.

The intention is to use predictive analytics & artificial intelligence to identify those at risk of suicide and the plan commits the government to improving data held on causes of death among veterans to better understand the triggers that can lead someone to take their own life, such as debt and gambling addiction. 

It also includes greater focus on addressing the increase in suicide & self-harm among young people, while social media companies will be asked to take more responsibility for online content that promotes methods of suicide and self-harm.

There are 4,500 suicides each year in England, and around 13 people end their life every day.  Men are 3 times more likely to die by suicide than women, and suicide is the leading cause of death in men under 50. Suicide is also a leading cause of death in young people.