MORE than 600 people were admitted to hospital last year with serious self-inflicted injuries.

In the year 2016/17, 639 people were admitted through Royal Bolton Hospital's A&E department with intentional self-harm injuries. For neighbouring Bury, the number was 350.

For Bolton this works out as 22.5 hospital stays per 10,000 people, which is just below average rate across the north west.

Across England, someone was admitted after intentionally hurting themselves on 103,723 occasions in 2016-17 — 19 cases for every 10,000 people.

During Mental Health Awareness Week, Sir David Crausby, MP for Bolton North East, said: “For many people mental health problems are still a taboo subject and something that isn’t really understood.

"These figures from Public Health England show how many local people are struggling with their mental health and why we need to take it seriously.

“There were likely many more cases of self-harm across the town that didn’t result in hospitalisation. People who self-harm need help and support, not judgement or blame.

"If you are struggling with your mental health please speak to someone and seek support.”

Nationally, women and girls are much more likely to be admitted for self-harming than men and boys, with 65,261 females admitted over the course of the year compared to 38,449 males.

Sir David's message around ending the stigma around mental health was echoed by Deborah Partington, director of operations at Greater Manchester Mental Health (GMMH).

She said: “Stigma can be a barrier for people, who need to access treatment and GMMH strives to break down the stigma around mental health wherever we can.

“If you are experiencing difficulties with your mental health please talk to someone close to you or visit your GP. If you are considering harming yourself, please call our crisis and out of hours helpline: 01204 390302.

“Our Recovery Academy offers free courses, which are co-written by professionals and people with mental health or substance misuse problems, to anyone who is experiencing mental health or substance misuse problems in Bolton.

“Our Living with Self-Harm course offers compassionate, non-judgemental advice for those who self-harm, their friends, family members and professionals."

Find out more by visiting www.gmmh.nhs.uk/recovery