A new suicide prevention pledge card, developed by Mid Powys Mind, has been launched at the National Assembly for Wales. The pledge card is designed to reassure men that an open approach to suicide is the best way to help prevent it.
Powys has the highest suicide rate in Wales, according to the Office for National Statistics. Men aged 40 to 44 have the highest suicide rate, with farmers at a greater risk of taking their own lives.
Neville Southall and Kirsty Williams AM, who are helping to raise awareness of the initiative’s key messages, attended the launch event at the Senedd in Cardiff Bay on Monday, April 1.
Welsh football legend Southall's Twitter account was taken over by the Mid Powys Mind team on Monday to promote the Pledge and the services they offer in Mid Powys to his 146,000 followers.
The former Everton and Wales goalkeeper says safe spaces are needed for men to talk about their feelings and mental health.
“Men sometimes aren’t comfortable reaching out to talk about their struggles with mental health. You can help someone who may be struggling with suicidal ideation by simply listening, talking with them and checking in on them. You don’t need to be a super hero, just a super human who cares!
He added: “If you have experienced feelings of depression or suicidal ideation before, it may be helpful to share your stories and experiences with others – early intervention can save lives.”
Caroline Stanley (Mid Powys Mind), Kirsty Williams AM, and Tracy Lewis (Mid Powys Mind) at the Senedd on April 1.
Figures from the Office for National Statistics say there were 60 suicides in Powys between 2015 and 2017, at a rate of 16.9 deaths per 100,000 people – the fourth-highest rate in England and Wales.
A recent report by the National Assembly for Wales’ Health, Sport and Social Care Committee stated that suicide is ‘everybody’s business’, calling for greater awareness and openness around suicide.
Kirsty Williams said: “Mid Powys Mind have developed an initiative with a very important message – talking about suicide is one of the easiest ways to help prevent it.”
“We know that men are at higher risk of suicide, and in communities like Brecon and Radnorshire we also need to be aware of the higher suicide risks associated with rural areas, particularly in the farming community.
“If you are struggling please seek out support. If you know someone else is struggling please reach out to them. No one should be left to deal with this alone, suicide is preventable and everybody has a responsibility to be aware of that.”
To learn more about the pledge card click here.
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