“Asking for help is a sign of courage, not weakness”

Samaritans Cymru team up with the Royal Welsh Show to highlight the importance of getting support for anyone who is struggling to cope

Samaritans Cymru have teamed up with the Royal Welsh Show 2022  in order to encourage anyone who is struggling to cope or feeling suicidal to seek support and ask for help. 

A recent UK Samaritans survey has discovered that men in rural areas (43%) are less likely than men in urban areas (51%) to reach out for support or talk to someone if they are struggling with their mental health.  This is alongside evidence that suggests that suicide rates are higher in rural areas compared to urban areas and rural-based occupations, such as those in agriculture, have also been shown to have an increased risk of suicide.

Two thirds of men living in rural areas (66%) also said there are a variety of factors that would stop them reaching out for support even if they were struggling. Samaritans discovered the top three barriers are stigma around mental health (18%), not knowing who to turn to (15%) and lack of awareness of support available (15%).¹ Based on the latest suicide statistics for Wales, men are 3.9x times more likely to die by suicide than women. Additionally, men aged 45-54 have the highest suicide rate.

Steve Hughson, Chief Executive said – 

“We are proud to have Samaritans Cymru as sponsors at the Royal Welsh Show 2022. As a major and pinnacle event in the agricultural calendar, where we have the opportunity to engage with people that may be struggling to cope within the farming industry or living in rural areas. We want our visitors to feel comfortable in sharing issues or concerns and we hope our partnership with Samaritans Cymru will support their aim of supporting people who are facing difficult circumstances. We will be promoting the Samaritans helpline and their Welsh language line through our 2022 event and hope it helps our visitors know they don’t have to face their struggles alone”

Earlier this year, Samaritans supporter Nigel Owens MBE, spoke to Samaritans about his experience of suicide and working and living in a rural community. He shared his experience of loneliness and how industries such as farming can present a macho image of men where they feel the need to bottle their emotions up to prevent them from appearing weak. 

“I think in general, across the board, men find it difficult to open up because of that macho image, I guess.

“I suppose in certain industries, in the macho world of rugby, in the rural agricultural community and certain other industries as well, there is that image of the man of the house. You feel that you can’t show your feelings, you can’t share those burdens and those worries.”

“People are there to help. Pick up the phone and contact Samaritans.”

“It’s great that there are organisations like Samaritans out there. Offering a service for people just to ring up and talk about whatever they want to talk about and not have to worry about being judged. A conversation like that can help somebody immensely. It’s a sign of great strength to seek help.”

During the event, Samaritans Cymru will be promoting Finding your Way, their new resource for anyone struggling to cope in Wales. The free bilingual resource is for those who have noticed a dip in their wellbeing, those feeling lonely or isolated and those feeling suicidal.  The resource includes self-harm and suicide safety plans which can be lifesaving tools for those struggling to cope, along with a good signposting list of different helplines and organisations. You can download the resource at Samaritans.org/FindingYourWay

Sarah Stone, Executive Director for Wales at Samaritans said: 

“Samaritans Cymru exist to reduce the number of people who die by suicide and we continue to be here for anyone struggling to cope right across Wales, no matter who you are or where you are. Mental health challenges and suicide are complex, going beyond where you live or your profession, but these can be factors. In Wales, the increased risk for those living in rural and agricultural settings due to poor access to services, isolation and persistent loneliness mean it’s essential   we do more to reach these individuals and communities. 

“We hope this great partnership with the Royal Welsh Show will raise awareness of the support that’s out there and most importantly, let those in farming and rural communities know that we are always here, round the clock”