On Tuesday 1 April, the Welsh Government launched its new for Wales.
Guided by sixteen core principles and six strategic objectives to be delivered over the next decade, the strategy aims to reduce the number and rates of suicide deaths that have endured over recent years. It also aims to establish a pathway to support people who self-harm and to improve support for those bereaved by suicide.
An initial 3-year delivery plan has been published alongside the strategy, detailing actions to be taken by the Welsh Government, NHS Wales and other key partners in the short-term.
RCPsych in Wales welcomes the Welsh Government’s strategic vision and priorities, which draw directly on people’s lived experience, but acknowledges that delivery will present significant challenges.
Given the increasing demand for mental health services in Wales, it is crucial that sufficient funding is allocated to ensure that the services outlined in the strategy can be fully implemented.
The ambitious scope of the strategy will require effective implementation at a local level, with appropriate resources, training, and support for frontline workers.
Suicide prevention work requires a multi-disciplinary approach, involving not only psychiatrists but also other healthcare professionals, social services, community organisations and the third sector. Collaboration across sectors will be key to the strategy’s success.
As part of the launch, a new National Centre for Suicide Prevention and Self-harm has been established at Swansea University, backed by more than ?2 million. We are excited about the potential for ground-breaking research that will arise from this initiative and stand ready to support the Centre with medical expertise.
Chair of RCPsych in Wales, Professor Alka Ahuja MBE, said:
“RCPsych in Wales is committed to supporting the Welsh Government in its efforts to prevent suicide and self-harm for all in Wales. This new strategy demonstrates a continued commitment to tackling two of the most pressing public health issues in our society.
“The strategy’s focus on providing a comprehensive, multi-agency approach to suicide prevention is encouraging and aligns with the evidence that a holistic and integrated effort is essential to reducing suicide rates.
“We call for continued focus on addressing the practical challenges that lie ahead to ensure that this strategy has the meaningful impact that it promises. In particular, more must be done to both recruit and retain psychiatrists, and other mental health staff, to effectively meet the clinical needs of individuals experiencing suicide ideation and self-harm behaviours.
“We look forward to the publication of the sister Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy for Wales at the end of April.”
For further information, please contact:
- Email: dafydd.huw@rcpsych.ac.uk
- Web: /wales
- Contact Name: Dafydd Huw
- Twitter:
- Out-of-hours contact number: 02922 33 1080