Suicide prevention strategy ‘overdue’
As concern continues mounting about the high suicide rate in and around the Bridgend area, young people are being urged to talk about their problems with counsellors. Ms Dalgleish, manager of youth counselling for Bridgend Council’s youth services, said “counselling can offer a release to young people struggling to cope with problems, although it will not necessarily provide all the answers.” Ms Dalgleish highlighted the importance of “talking” and went on to say “we may not solve the problems but there is a release from talking to someone impartial.”
Health Charity, Mind Cymru, has announced that a suicide prevention strategy for the whole of Wales is long overdue. Health Minister, Edwina Hart, has revealed the strategy is being accelerated after the death of yet another teenager in the Bridgend area. School-based counselling services are among the recommendations and will receive £6.5m over three years.