Suicide rate rise in Coventry sparks concerns

Concerns have been raised about a rise in suicide rates across Coventry.

Figures released in the West Midlands State of the Region 2026 report show the number of deaths by suicide in the city has risen from about 8.6 per 100,000 people in 2021-23 to 11.8 in 2022-24.

That means Coventry now has the highest rate in the West Midlands, raising concerns from politicians and charities about why the numbers are going up.

Melanie Griffin runs the Violet Project and said the focus should not be on the numbers, but the people involved.

Griffin founded the charity in Coventry after the death of her sister at the age of just 13.

"Different figures are reported, but behind every statistic there is a person that has unfortunately ended their own life, and there is a family that's been left behind," she said.

"Suicide is really complex and there is never really one simple reason why figures rise or fall."

At the West Midlands Combined Authority meeting in which the figures were revealed, Coventry councillor Jackie Gardiner asked for more information on what had caused the rise.

Councillor Gardiner said: "One of the things that concerns me is you've got the suicide rates in Coventry, which is just gone up like a steam train from 2021 to 2024.

"What is it that's driving that compared to everyone else? The one in Coventry seems to be going incredibly high."

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The overall West Midlands in 2022-24 rate stood at 9.8 per 100,000 which is a slight increase from 9.3 in 2020-22.

Walsall had the lowest rate in the region in 2022-24 at 8, while the rate for England and Wales as a whole in 2024 was 11.4.

Coventry City Council has a Suicide Prevention Strategy,which was set up in 2023. It brings together charities, volunteers, the health service and emergency services to help them recognise who is at most risk of suicide.

It shows men are the highest risk group, particularly those in their late 30s to late 40s, and those in vulnerable groups.

A public health service spokesperson for the city council defended how the strategy was working.

"While the latest figures show a small increase in the local suicide rate, it is important that these data are interpreted carefully. Suicide is a complex issue... there is rarely a single cause."

The council points out that Coventry's figures, although higher than the West Midlands average, are broadly in line with the national statistics over the past 15 years.

"Nevertheless, every suicide is one too many", the spokesperson added.

"We want everyone in Coventry to know that support is available and that they do not have to face difficult times alone."

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