Anti-suicide campaign to target young men

The Health Challenge Neath Port Talbot partnership will launch a campaign on World Mental Health Day (Saturday 10th October) aimed at young men who are affected by relationship breakdown or problems with alcohol.

The county-wide poster campaign specifically targets men aged between 18 and 45. In recent years there has been an increase in the suicide rate within this group and the campaign has been designed to drive home the message that help and support is available for anyone feeling suicidal or in crisis.

The campaign will run throughout the winter, with 3 types of posters displayed in public venues across the county, including pubs, clubs and other alcohol-related businesses.

The posters, photographed locally, feature the straplines 'Coz breaking up is hard to do', 'Big boys do cry' and 'Breaking up doesn't mean breaking down'.

Dr Annie Delahunty, Chair of Health Challenge Neath Port Talbot said, "Suicide prevention is a major public health challenge. Many people find Christmas and New Year to be particularly difficult times and it is essential to let people know that help and support is available.

"In recent years a high proportion of suicides in the Neath Port Talbot area have been carried out by young men. We want to make sure that all men know that help is available for them 24/7 - all they have to do to get it is to pick up the phone. Or perhaps to help their friend or family member or workmate to do so".

A recent health survey* found that 44.6% of adults in Neath Port Talbot reported their alcohol consumption to be above the recommended guidelines.

Dr Tegwyn Williams, Clinical Director for Mental Health Services at ABM University Health Board said:

"Many people will turn to alcohol when they are down and depressed. The problem is that alcohol can act as a depressant and make the problem worse.

"Alcohol also lowers inhibitions - making a person more likely to attempt suicide. Often this can seem the only way out from their problems or an end to the unhappiness they are feeling. In this state of mind it is often difficult to think clearly.

"But the message is that there are many avenues of support available to people."

The campaign also has the backing of support groups Siaradwn Ni and the Samaritans, with contact information directing the public to these counselling services.

For more information on Health Challenge Neath Port Talbot visit www.healthchallengenpt.org.