Figures reveal how many Waltham Forest residents have lost their lives to suicide – as campaigners call for the Government to bolster prevention services across the county following the pandemic.

It comes as organisations get together to raise awareness for World Suicide Prevention Day, held annually on September 10.

Office for National Statistics data shows 47 people were registered as having died by suicide in Waltham Forest between 2018 and 2020.

It means the suicide rate in the area was 6.3 per 100,000 people over the period.

That was down from 8.7 between 2017 and 2019, and lower than the rate across England and Wales of 10.5 deaths per 100,000 people.

However in neighbouring town Epping the rate was 7.4 per 100,000 people over the period- up from 5 between 2017 and 2019.

Samaritans is urging the Government to account for the “strong connection” between economic deprivation and suicide into its post-pandemic economic recovery plans.

Jacqui Morrissey, assistant director of research and influencing at Samaritans, said: “Any life lost to suicide is a tragedy and we know that the after-effects of the extraordinary last 18 months will continue to impact people’s lives in the years to come.

“Funding should be made available in the forthcoming spending review for targeted investment in local areas to further develop and deliver practical support services to prevent suicide among groups at the highest risk, particularly middle-aged men.”

The Government has pledged to invest £57 million by 2023-24 to support local suicide prevention plans and establish suicide bereavement services.

A Department for Health and Social Care spokesman said its mental health recovery action plan targets those most affected by the pandemic.

She added: "The last 18 months have been exceptionally difficult, and we are committed to doing everything possible to reduce suicides and support people’s mental wellbeing."

Contact Samaritans for free at any time on 116 123, or visit www.samaritans.org