Government minister hopes new strategy cuts down Peterborough suicide rate
He says the link between unemployment and suicide is a "gigantic problem"
A Government minister says the link between youth unemployment and suicide in places like Peterborough is a "gigantic problem".
This week, MP Jake Richards led a roundtable event with ministers, charities, academics, and campaigners to discuss urgent action to try and improve men's mental health and save lives.
It comes as research by mental health charity CPSL Mind found within Cambridgeshire, suicide rates in Peterborough and Fenland are above the national average.
"The Government will be setting out a strategy to ensure we try and tackle that gigantic problem because work can often provide people with a purpose," Mr Richards - the men and boys minister - said.
"I'm determined to use my role to try and push that employment drive across the country."
Statistics show in the UK, more than 7,000 people a year die by suicide.
Figures from the Department for Education for last year show 3.9% of 16-17-year-olds living in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough were identified as not in employment, education or training.
That's higher than the average rate of 3.4% for the country.
More unemployment means higher suicide rate - MP
Representatives from Samaritans, Mind, Movember, ANDYSMANCLUB, YoungMinds, the Premier League and other leading organisations joined the talks at Number 10 alongside suicide prevention experts and campaigners.
The Department of Health and Social Care has also partnered with The Premier League on in their Together Against Suicide initiative with Samaritans, working to tackle male suicide.
This partnership also aims to increase access to and understanding of mental health support as part of the Government's men’s health strategy.
"We do know where there are high levels of unemployment, we often see high rates of suicide," Mr Richards added.
"It's absolutely critical we try and tackle youth unemployment; we know 1 in 8 young people are not in work or education."