Suicide rates have risen across Cheshire West and Chester and are higher than the national average, a report has found.

The findings were published in a council document which also found men constitute more than three-quarters of all suicides in the borough.

The report reviewed cases of people living in Cheshire West and Chester as well as non-residents who died in the borough.

Cases relate to inquests that concluded between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2024. In total, 196 cases were included in the review, including 190 cases with a suicide verdict and six narrative cases indicating suicidal intent.

The report – which is due to be considered by the council's Health and Wellbeing board on Wednesday – revealed the following a 'clear, upward trend' in suicide rates across the borough, driven largely by an increase in male suicide.

It also revealed the local suicide rate has risen significantly, reaching 14.3 deaths per 100,000 – statistically higher than the England average of 10.9.

Men account for more than three quarters (77 per cent) of suicide cases in Cheshire West and Chester, consistent with 'national patterns', while female suicides have increased in recent years (22 per cent). In the remaining one per cent of cases, the gender was recorded as 'non-binary or other'.

Socioeconomic factors played a role, with more suicides than expected occurring in the most deprived neighbourhoods. However, deprivation alone did not explain the distribution of deaths.

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The highest number of deaths occurred among 45 to 64-year-olds (38 per cent), with females more likely than males to be aged 25 to 44 years old. Nearly two-thirds (62 per cent) of suicides occurred in the person's home.

It found nearly three-quarters (73 per cent) had a diagnosed or suspected mental health condition, yet more than a quarter (29 per cent) of those with a diagnosis were not known to mental health services.

Half (49 per cent) of all cases had previously been in contact with mental health services, and one in five had contact in the week before their death.

It said that despite this, many had experienced delays in accessing care, disengagement without follow-up, or gaps in crisis care planning and family involvement.

The report said other contributory factors included physical health problems (58 per cent), previous suicide attempts (39 per cent), chronic illness (38 per cent), self-harm (31 per cent), bereavement (26 per cent), financial pressures (22 per cent), and relationship breakdown (17 per cent).

It found women were more likely to have experienced domestic abuse, self harm, or loneliness.

The report made a number of recommendations. Including expanding suicide prevention training across front-line services, including primary care, emergency departments, social care, housing, criminal justice and the voluntary sector, with enhanced training for staff supporting higher-risk groups.

It also said there should be improved access, responsiveness and continuity within mental health services by reviewing crisis pathways, addressing waiting lists, improving triage, strengthening follow-up, and involving families/carers more routinely.

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The report also lifted the lid on the wider impacts of suicide, stating that it was estimated that up to 135 people are directly affected by every death by suicide, including family, friends colleagues and wider networks, demonstrating what it called 'the ripple effects of grief, trauma, and emotional distress'.

In its conclusion, the report said: "We would also like to acknowledge the families and friends of those who have died by suicide.

"We recognise that, although the individual is no longer burdened by the distress that preceded their death, those who knew and loved them continue to live with deep and enduring sorrow."

If you or someone you know is in need of help for a mental health crisis or emergency, you can go to NHS 111 online or call 111 and select the mental health option.

• Samaritans: 24/7 service for anyone struggling to cope. Call 116 123 for free
• Papyrus: 24/7 suicide prevention helpline for persons under the age of 35, or anyone concerned about a young person. Call 0800 068 4141 or Text 88247
• CALM: Suicide prevention helpline, open from 5pm – midnight every day on 0800 58 58 58. Contact through WhatsApp and Live Chat are also available
• Cruse: Bereavement support at 0808 808 1677. Open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9.30am to 5pm, and Tuesday from 1pm to 8pm
• GamCare: 24/7 helpline for anyone affected by gambling harms. Call 0808 8020 133, WhatsApp on 0208 3031 8881 or visit the website for Live Chat
• The National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 24/7 support at 0808 2000 247 for anyone who is or knows someone experiencing domestic abuse