DHSC deems gambling a new risk factor in suicide prevention strategy

Gambling has been recognised as a ‘related factor’ in the UK government’s new strategy to reduce suicide rates by improving prevention and early intervention through the NHS and wider local public services.

This morning, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) published details of its new “five-year strategy to reduce suicide rates”.

DHSC Undersecretary for Mental Health, Maria Caulfield, announced that the government has reserved £150m in capital funds to expand the NHS’ existing programme focused on providing urgent and emergency care.

Further initiatives will see the government establish a £10m fund to support the vital work of voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations.

“While this strategy outlines ways to prevent suicides for everyone over the next five years, we must ensure we continue to focus on groups with higher suicide rates or where concerning trends have been observed,” Caulfield declared.

Listed alongside domestic abuse and online safet..