Christians in Wales called to help Samaritans cut suicide rate

The Archdeacon of Morgannwg in Wales is asking churchgoers to help the Samaritans reduce the number of suicides in the country.

Christopher Smith is asking parishes to back a new strategy launched by the Samaritans in Wales this month aimed at helping people who may be tempted to end their lives because of the impact of the recession.

Around 300 people commit suicide each year in Wales, with the highest rate found among men aged 25 to 50 and people who have recently lost their jobs.

The Samaritans' five-year strategy is the first for Wales to be launched by the charity and will see it invest in volunteers and raise awareness of the help available for people considering ending their lives.

The charity says it wants to work with community groups, including parishes, to raise awareness of its work among vulnerable people.

Smith said: “From the beginning of its life in Wales, and in its origins in England, church members, both clergy and lay people, have been very closely involved in the work of Samaritans and continue today to support its work of offering confidential help to those who are distressed, despairing or suicidal.

“The launch of this strategy underlines the commitment of Samaritans to reach out to all communities in Wales to continue this work, and to ensure it meets the challenges that lie ahead in supporting people in times of emotional crisis."

The strategy will focus on people contemplating suicide, those who self-harm, and people who are helping others through a period of crisis or who have in some way been affected by suicide.

Samaritans chief executive Catherine Johnstone said she expected widespread job losses and financial uncertainty to lead to a spike in the number of people turning to the charity for help.

She said: “We have a role to play in supporting people who have never before faced potential worklessness and supporting people through the uncertainty of the next few years.”