about the importance of listening and talking …
Since hearing the sad news about Carl Sargeant’s death, our thoughts have been with his family, friends and colleagues at this incredibly difficult time.
When tragedy strikes, it’s hard to know the right things to say or do.
The world of politics in Wales has shifted. Today isn’t a natural follow on from yesterday. It isn’t business as usual. We asked ourselves whether it was appropriate to pause publishing today.
But after considerable reflection, we judged it important to encourage people to keep listening and to keep talking. Always.
Every death by suicide is a tragedy.
Suicide is now the single biggest killer of men aged under 45 in the UK. In 2016, men accounted for 82% of all suicides in Wales.
Bereavement has a devastating effect on families, friends and colleagues. In cases of bereavement by suicide, feelings of devastation, incomprehension and guilt are often magnified with the impact felt across communities and generations.
And behind every single suicide, there is a story.
We are not the experts in suicide prevention. But Samaritans Cymru are. They work hard to encourage people to talk more openly about suicidal thoughts and feelings, to share their story in time to access help.
Whatever you’re going through, you can contact Samaritans for free any time, from any phone on 116 123. (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
You can also email Samaritans on [email protected] or visit your nearest branch for face to face support (Find your local branch at www.samaritans.org/branches)
For emotional support in Welsh, call 0808 164 0123 (7pm-11pm, 7 days a week).
Very well said.