The Southern Regional Health Authority (SRHA) has expressed alarm over a 200% increase in the number of children who attempted suicide in Manchester, last year.

Regional Director Michael Bent made the disclosure while speaking at the Rotary Club of Mandeville’s vocational service awards, last evening (January 30).

He said there was also a massive increase in the number of adults who attempted suicide in 2023.

Mr. Bent said the figures indicate the need for families and stakeholders to come together to provide support for persons with mental health challenges.

The Regional Director has noted an increase in the number of people accessing mental health services at facilities in the parish.

The increase in mental health patients was observed when figures for 2022 and 2023 were compared.

Mr. Bent said over 6,000 clients were treated last year, when compared to just over 5,000 in the previous year.