Carmarthenshire Council Strengthens Efforts to Address Mental Health Challenges
Residents in Carmarthenshire are being urged to talk openly about mental health struggles and seek help when needed, amid growing concerns over the impact of depression and suicide in the area. The issue was brought into sharp focus recently following a discussion led by Councillor Bryan Davies at county hall, sparked by a series of suspected suicide cases within the local community.
Cllr Davies, who serves as a representative of Plaid Cymru, spoke candidly in a recent committee meeting, expressing his sorrow after attending the funerals of two individuals locally believed to have died by suicide. He revealed that he has since become aware of two further suspected cases, underscoring the seriousness of the matter. In remarks to the press, Cllr Davies stressed the critical importance of increasing the visibility of mental health advice and support, stating, “We cannot be holding back.” He expressed particular concern that, despite evolving attitudes, some people still feel unable to confide in friends or family due to lingering stigma.
The conversation comes at a time when mental health support services across Wales are facing ever-increasing demand. During the health and social services scrutiny meeting on 9 June, Cllr Davies probed the council on its ability to address suicide rates and ensure vulnerable residents are aware of the help available. He questioned whether support provision was widely understood, or if residents continued to see their GP as the only route to assistance.
In response, council officers outlined a series of new and ongoing initiatives spearheaded by Carmarthenshire County Council to tackle the issue head-on. One significant step is the recent appointment of a suicide prevention officer, a position secured through grant funding and set to continue until at least March 2027. This officer has been tasked with identifying obstacles that prevent people from seeking assistance and coordinating the development of a comprehensive prevention strategy and action plan with a dedicated group of colleagues.
The council has also taken action to help families and close contacts of those affected by suicide, having established a rapid response service in 2023. This initiative provides immediate support to those mourning a suspected suicide, aiming to ensure they are not left to cope alone during moments of acute distress.
Statistics from 2023 paint a worrying picture: 30 deaths by suicide were registered in Carmarthenshire last year, more than double the 14 reported in 2022. While some of these cases may involve deaths from previous years that were only recently recorded, the upward trend aligns with national data reported by Samaritans. In 2023, England and Wales saw the highest rate of suicide since 1999, with 6,069 recorded deaths—a 7.5% rise from the previous year. Distressingly, three-quarters of those who died by suicide were men.
Public Health Wales reports that while suicide rates within different Welsh health boards are generally in line with the national average, some, including Hywel Dda University Health Board covering Carmarthenshire, are statistically higher than neighbouring areas such as Swansea Bay and Cardiff. Factors contributing to regional disparities remain the subject of ongoing research and public health interventions.
Council officers emphasise that targeted collaboration with grassroots community organisations—ranging from sports clubs to local barbers—will be essential in spreading mental health awareness and connecting individuals to practical support. “We must work closely with our community partners to ensure no one feels alone,” stated Jan Coles, Carmarthenshire’s head of children and families. Both Coles and fellow officer Kate Burton highlighted the availability of crisis support lines, including a 24/7 NHS facility accessible by dialling 111 and selecting option two.
The council’s annual social services report further reveals that around one in four adults in the area are likely to experience mental health issues at some stage—equating to approximately 45,000 residents. The document also notes a significant deterioration in mental health among young people, particularly those aged between 16 and 24, prompting urgent calls for accessible and wide-ranging support.
Meanwhile, the Welsh Government has responded to rising concerns with a new ten-year strategy designed to curb suicide rates, boost support for those bereaved by suicide, and assist individuals at risk of self-harm. The strategy demonstrates a nationwide commitment to addressing the root causes of despair and removing barriers to help.
As the data illuminates both the scale and the complexity of suicide and depression, local leaders and support charities are urging anyone in distress not to hesitate in asking for help. Community advice services such as Mind Cymru, Samaritans, and the Community Advice & Listening Line offer confidential support to people throughout Wales. Their contact details are regularly shared by the council and associated health partners, with the hope that increased awareness and open dialogue can save lives.
This concerted county-wide focus on mental health, from government to grassroots, underscores the message that support exists and no one should suffer in silence.