Middle-aged men at suicide risk

1.5m for research into how to tackle suicide in at-risk groups.

Aside from middle-aged men, these include people with mental health problems and those with a history of self-harm.

Strategies to reduce the risk of suicide include reducing access to suicide-related internet sites for children and reducing the opportunity for suicide for people in prisons or mental health facilities.

The government has also promised better information and support for those bereaved or affected by suicide.

'Everyone's business'

Care minister Norman Lamb said: "Over the last 10 years there has been real progress in reducing the suicide rate, but it is still the case that someone takes their own life every two hours in England.

Continue reading the main story“Start QuoteAs with all strategies, the real value comes with implementation”

End QuotePaul FarmerMind "We want to reduce suicides by better supporting those most at risk and providing information for those affected by a loved one's suicide."

Paul Farmer, chief executive of the mental health charity Mind, welcomed the strategy, but said: "As with all strategies, the real value comes with implementation.

"The funding pledged for research is a vital contribution. However, at a time when there are cuts to health services, we would strongly urge the government to invest in the services it expects to deliver this strategy.

"In addition, as our new health minister has today acknowledged, suicide prevention is everyone's business, so we need to see a real commitment from all government departments in supporting those at risk."