What's in this section?
Public Health Wales (2018), documentation refers to suicide as a leading cause of death, particularly among young people and amounts to about twice the number killed in road accidents. A statistical report produced by the Samaritans (2018), details that over all age groups, there were 360 deaths by suicide in Wales in 2017, showing an increase on the previous year’s statistics. Amongst 15-19 year olds the report details an increase in the rate of suicides for 15-19 year olds in 2017 compared with the data for the previous 2 years.
Across the region there have been a number of tragic incidents whereby children and young people have died by Suicide. A common theme emerging from Child Practice Reviews both within the region and at a National level has been the need for a consistent approach when children and young people are presenting with suicidal ideation. CYSUR have recently developed a Suicide Prevention Assessment Tool (see below) which seeks to establish a consistent response across the region, and remains dedicated to the issue of suicide and self-harm.
This section contains resources which can assist in understanding and responding to thoughts of suicide and self-harm.
Those with concerns about a friend or relative should contact their local Social Services team (see Contacts and Useful Links), or dial 999 in an emergency.