The following draws from the research and engagement work of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster City Council, carried out in November 2022.
Groups considered at high risk of suicide
- Men
- The homeless population
- Children and young people
- LGBTQI+ people
- People impacted financially through loss of employment with impact on mental wellness
- People in the care of mental health services
- Hard to reach groups, such as B&AME groups, migrants, and asylum seekers
- People who misuse substances
- People who are social isolated
Common causes of suicidal feelings
- Isolation or loneliness
- The end of a relationship
- Pregnancy, child birth, or postnatal depression
- Bullying, prejudice, or stigma
- Financial difficulities
- History of conflict with family, friends, or partner
- Feeling inadequate, worthless, or a failure
- Long-term physical pain or illness
- Being unsure of sexual orientation
- Cultural pressure
- Societal expectations
Suicide and LGBTQI+ people
Engagement showed that there can be stigma associated with LGBTQI+ identities within some faith communities. It was found that some people may find it hard to speak about trauma around identity due to the implications on family reputation, community shame and breakdown of family relationships, thereby increasing risk. There is a need for greater awareness of these communities within faith spaces, as well as further engagement work to address stigma and improve understanding.