New Welsh strategy aims to cut suicide deaths
An ambitious new 10-year strategy to reduce suicide and improve support for people who self-harm has been launched today by the Welsh Government.
The Suicide Prevention and Self-Harm Strategy, unveiled by Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing Sarah Murphy, sets out a long-term vision to tackle the complex causes behind suicide and self-harm, while improving the support available to those in crisis.
Speaking at the launch, Sarah Murphy said: “This ambitious strategy focuses on building understanding, prevention, and compassionate support for everyone affected by suicide and self-harm. By working across government departments and with our partners, we’re tackling the root causes while ensuring immediate help is available to those who need it.”
The strategy will focus on six key areas: listening and learning from lived experiences; preventing suicide through addressing risk factors; empowering people to talk and seek support; improving services; equipping frontline services to identify those at risk; and delivering a compassionate response following suspected suicides.
It is supported by more than £2 million in new funding for Swansea University’s National Centre for Suicide Prevention and Self-harm through Health and Care Research Wales. The Centre will play a key advisory role to the Welsh Government and help shape future policy based on evidence and lived experience.
Joshua, a young man who has been supported by the Samaritans after experiencing suicidal thoughts, said: “I see a generational issue where older men don’t speak about their mental health because they grew up in a time when it wasn’t discussed. There is still a demographic of boys and men my age who feel it’s too wimpy or embarrassing to speak about it.”
The strategy acknowledges the different demographics most affected. Suicide is most prevalent among men aged 30 to 55, while self-harm is more common in teenage girls and young women aged 15 to 19. Recognising these distinctions will help shape more targeted approaches within services and outreach.
The Welsh Government has already taken steps in recent years to bolster mental health support. This includes launching a national bereavement advice service, providing new guidance for those working with bereaved individuals, introducing single points of contact for child and adolescent mental health services, and rolling out the 111 press 2 helpline for urgent mental health support.
Information from Real Time Suspected Suicide Surveillance (RTSSS), which collects data from police forces, will be used to inform future interventions. This will work alongside a lived experience framework to ensure policy is shaped by those most affected.
A new National Suicide and Self-harm team has also been created within the NHS Executive to oversee the strategy’s delivery and coordinate action across Wales.
The Welsh Government says its approach is rooted in compassion and aims to create a culture where individuals feel safe to ask for help without fear or judgement.
- Anyone needing support with their mental health can ring the CALL Helpline on 0800 132 737 or Samaritans: 116 123.
- For urgent support call the NHS on 111 and press 2.
- If you’re affected by suicide, the National Advisory and Liaison Service Cymru offer free and confidential support to people in Wales: 08000 487742
