LONDON: Suicides in English prisons rose by over 15 per cent last year, but overall the national suicide rate is at its lowest-ever level, the Department of Health said on Friday.

While 82 prisoners took their own lives between 2007 and 2008, the overall suicide rate in England was 8.3 deaths per 100,000 people for the three year period of 2004-2006, compared with the previous three-year average of 8.5. Britain’s prison population is over 80,000, close to total capacity, with many held in police cells.

“The numbers of those who take their own lives in prisons must be set against the context of the number of individuals who pass through the prison system each year, that is, over 130,000,” said a Department of Health spokesman. “In the face of rising population levels, efforts to help prisoners cope with imprisonment and remain safe are proceeding with undiminished energy and commitment.”

Bridgend in Wales has suffered a spate of suicides among young people over the last year and Care Services Minister Ivan Lewis called for the media to show greater sensitivity in their reporting when people take their own lives.

“We’ve already published ‘Sensitive Coverage Saves Lives’ to help improve media portrayal of suicide and suicidal behaviour,” said Lewis.—Reuters