Jason O’Connell MS, Pontypridd, Cynon, Merthyr MS has called for urgent action on suicide and mental health in the South Wales Valleys after figures showed Merthyr Tydfil recorded the highest suicide rate of any local authority in Wales between 2021 and 2023.
Merthyr Tydfil recorded 18.4 suicides per 100,000 people compared with a Welsh average of 11.7. Blaenau Gwent also recorded one of the highest suicide rates in Wales.
The majority of those who die by suicide in Wales are men, with suicide remaining the leading killer of men under 50 in Wales.
Mr O’Connell said:
“Behind every statistic is a devastated family left grieving and a community asking what more could have been done.
“Too many people across the Valleys are struggling with poor mental health, unemployment, isolation and a growing sense of hopelessness.
“We need honest conversations about suicide, better support in our communities and renewed hope for people who feel they have nowhere to turn.”
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