Suicide has caused the deaths of 25 people in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland since the start of lockdown.

The number of people who have ended their own lives locally was revealed in a Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust (LPT) board report acknowledging that coronavirus-related issues could have contributed to an increase in suicides.

Health bosses are monitoring the figures closely as well as upping the support on offer in what the report describes as 'unprecedented times'.

It reads: "Across LLR there have been 25 suicides since the beginning of lockdown, 12 of which related to LPT but were not inpatients. The data shows a lower average age group.

"We are still experiencing an increase in the number of suicides both under the care of LPT and wider LLR (Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland). It is too early to relate this to Covid-19 however the focus has and continues to be around rapid learning from both national reports and local data."

The report also states that a clinical review of all of our suicides since lockdown has been taking place to ensure 'rapid learning'.

"Themes recognised so far relate to patients with a diagnosis of personality disorder and the direct impact of Covid-19 on the reduction and change in the approach for support sessions," it said.

"There is work underway to continue these sessions using digital platforms and discussion around learning in relation to a possible response to a second wave of Covid-19."

The report, which will be discussed by LPT's board next week, goes on: "It is difficult to consider numbers of suicides in isolation however in June and July there does appear to have been an increase in community suicides of patients both under the care of LPT and not under the care of LPT; some reported sudden unexpected deaths are subject to coroner declaration of cause of death."

LPT has adapted its offer of mental health support to make services more accessible during lockdown including the introduction of a phone line for those in need of urgent mental health support – 0116 295 3060.

Dr Fabida Aria is an LPT consultant psychiatrist. She said: "The sooner people get in touch, the sooner we can get them the help, that's better for them as a patient, and us as professionals and the service as a whole."

Problems differentiating between feeling the impacts of lockdown and experiencing mental health issues are another reason Dr Aria fears people are "suffering in silence".

"A lot of people are thinking to themselves that it's normal to feel anxious and worried about what's happening and in a way it is, but we want to hear from people who feel that way so that we can offer them help if they need it," she said.

Councillor Lee Breckon, cabinet member for health and wellbeing at Leicestershire County Council, said: "The Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown have presented a range of challenges to our mental health, with an increased number of people across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland sadly reaching crisis point and unsure of where to turn for help and support.

"We have been doing all we can to support those in need, including supporting schools with mental health training and updating our Start a Conversation website – www.startaconversation.co.uk – with information on services that can provide help during a crisis, as well as how to maintain good mental health and provide support to family and friends during what has been unprecedented times.

"We will continue to show that there is always a way out and a way forward and that there are groups and people out there who can help. We would urge anyone having such thoughts to have a look on the website, to make that first contact, take that first step and reach out."

Help is available by calling LPT's support line on 0116 2953060 or you can visit www.leicspart.nhs.uk/contact/urgent-help/

Visit https://www.startaconversation.co.uk/

Or call the Samaritans on 116 123.