Lesley Griffiths Ms Supports Samaritans Cymru’s Focus on Reducing Farming Suicides During Bangor Branch Visit

Lesley Griffiths, the Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, visited Bangor Samaritans to witness the crucial and lifesaving work of volunteers who support Welsh-speakers and local farming and rural communities in North Wales and beyond.  

Suicide rates are higher amongst those working in farming and agriculture and any suicide has a huge impact on friends, family, colleagues and the wider community. Farmers and agricultural workers face unique pressures including long working hours, risk of physical injury, financial concerns and loneliness and isolation which can increase the risk of poor mental health and suicide risk. There is also a particular high risk in young farmers across the UK. 

 Samaritans Cymru is setting out to break the cycle of suicide risk in rural Wales by launching the ‘Our Farming, Our Future’ project in 2024. This project will be delivered in partnership with farming support charity TIR Dewi and will work closely with Wales Young Farmers Clubs and their members. 

 Neil Ingham, Executive Director for Wales said:  

“We want to build community resilience by better equipping young farmers to make a difference in their own lives, as well as identifying how to look after themselves and those around them to ensure more people get the support they need and ultimately reduce their risk of suicide.” 

 The project will give young people the opportunity to have an impact on their farming futures – to break the cycle of suicide and the risk factors that have impacted their parents, families and communities through addressing the stigma around help seeking and establishing peer support networks and shared learning.  

 Lesley Griffiths, Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales said: 

“I was proud to see the crucial and lifesaving work that Bangor Samaritans undertake in the local community. They are deeply committed to supporting people in distress and that includes Welsh speakers who are able to contact them through the Welsh Language Line. 

  The highest percentage of Welsh speakers is in North-west Wales. Volunteers at the Bangor branch run the Welsh Language helpline seven days a week, allowing Welsh speakers to seek help in their first language for four hours each day. 

 The minister got a firsthand experience of the importance of the Welsh Language helpline service in supporting the mental health needs of the Welsh-speaking population. 

 Lesley Griffiths added:  

“This line is clearly of crucial importance to many people across Wales, including those in rural and farming communities. The branch stated the importance of people having access to emotional support in their first language and I’m very supportive of this initiative. 

  “I was pleased to hear of the wider work being undertaken by Samaritans Cymru to support those in rural and farming communities. Their work is lifesaving and I look forward to hearing more about their future projects.” 

Samaritans Bangor Branch Director Lynda added:  

“At Samaritans Cymru, we support anyone who needs us right across Wales. If you are struggling to cope, for any reason, please contact Samaritans. We know how important it is to access support in your first language and our Bangor volunteers are here to listen to you, you can call us on 0808 164 0123 for free between 7pm and 11pm 7 days a week.”