Dr Peter Taylor, Lecturer in Clinical Psychology in the University’s Institute of Psychology, Health and Society, comments on Nick Clegg’s plans to reduce suicides:
“Nick Clegg’s proposals today regarding the goal of zero suicides is positive in highlighting the problem of suicide that our society faces.
“Suicide and self-harm are highly stigmatized experiences, and this stigma itself can be a barrier to individuals gaining help and support.
“Nonetheless, it is important we do not underestimate the complexity of suicide.
“Suicides often represent the endpoint in a long trajectory of adversity and challenges. Whilst there is much services can do we also need to consider broader issues of abuse, inequality, stigma and access to support within society if we are to start to tackle the problem of suicide.”
