Suicide is said to be the biggest killer of young men in Britain (Picture: File)

Suicide is now the biggest killer of young men in Britain, a charity has claimed.

Three young males take their own life on average every day across the country – and the recession is thought to be playing a part in many of the deaths.

The latest figures show that the suicide rate rose significantly in 2011 with 4,552 men taking their own life out of a total of 6,045 people.

The highest rate was in the male age bracket 30-44. Suicide in this group accounted for more deaths than road accidents, murder and HIV/Aids combined.


‘The reasons for suicide are complex and often very individual,’ said Jane Powell from the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM).



‘The economic climate and social factors such as insecurities around work and housing, social isolation and substance misuse are felt particularly strongly in this group.’

It is believed that hundreds of male suicides could be prevented if men felt able to ask for help when they desperately need it.

According to CALM, men experience a ‘cultural barrier’ when it comes to seeking professional help, restricted by modern society which expects them to be immune to a nervous breakdown.

Team GB snowboarding coach Nelson Pratt, 33, was found by his father hanged from a gymnasium ring in his garage last summer.

His friend Marcus Chapman has joined the charity’s campaign to raise awareness of male suicide.

‘Nelson was popular, healthy, successful and physically very fit,’ said Mr Chapman.

‘It was devastating for everyone. How could someone so outwardly healthy have this happen to them? Men aren’t very good at telling someone how they’re feeling. By raising awareness we can get people talking.’

CALM is working with three graffiti artists in east London to get their message across.

Ms Powell added: ‘This is a huge problem now in the UK and the time has come to start talking about it.’

Research by the University of Liverpool shows the recession in the UK has caused about 1,000 additional suicides in England – 846 among men and 155 among women. The analysis showed that increases in male unemployment were associated with about two-fifths of the rises in suicides among men.

Anyone feeling distressed or suicidal can call CALM on 0800 58 58 58 or the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90.